www. insidekentmagazine. co. uk insideKENT
PUBLISHER: Adam Ready, adam @ sidewaysmedia. co. uk EDITOR: Samantha Ready, insidekent @ sidewaysmedia. co. uk
EDITORIAL: Deputy Editor: Polly Humphris Features Writers: Mia Chapman, Charlie Bond
OPERATIONS: Operations Manager: Karlene Gannon
DESIGN: Design Director: Lorna Morris Designers: Melanie Johnsson, Gemma Andrews, Nic Craig
SALES: Sales Manager: Jerry Barrett, jerry @ sidewaysmedia. co. uk Senior Account Manager: Alex Perseval Sales & Admin Account Executive: Jade Wynter
SIDEWAYS ACADEMY: Digital Marketing Apprentice: Sophie Shorter
Contributors: Eloise Pfeiffer, Florrie Gannon, Hayley Kingsnorth, Jodie Gilbert, Jo Ginn, Jo Gurr, Julia Bilotta, Katie Leonard, Kellie Wyles, Lavinia Watts, Michael Pearce, Neil Miller, Rohan Blacker, She Grows Veg
Cover: © AE Photography for MotorSport Vision Ltd
WELCOME
Ilove March! Not just because it’ s my birthday( yes, this is a hint for cake!), but because as the name rightly suggests, it’ s a month that feels full of momentum. The days grow lighter, the calendar fills quicker and our March issue is one that happily celebrates learning, legends and the remarkable people on their own march to shape our county.
Education takes centre stage in the first of our annual special features, spotlighting academic excellence across Kent. From inspiring institutions to stories of apprenticeship success, overcoming challenges and harnessing opportunities, this issue is packed with insight for families navigating key decisions- and for anyone who believes learning never truly stops.
Leadership and legacy continues as we celebrate our iconic cover star, Brands Hatch, as the legendary circuit marks its centenary year. A true Kent institution, and still thrilling crowds 100 years on, one lucky reader will be able to experience the thrills themselves with our competition on p15.
The celebratory theme continues further still with our annual Kent Women in Business feature, which not only honours International Women’ s Day, but also shines a light on the powerhouse women leading, innovating and accelerating change across the county.
Female excellence continues in Female-Fed, where we explore the county’ s female-led kitchens, before raising a glass( and fork) to dining mastery in Culinary Class, our round up of Kent’ s most acclaimed restaurants. insideKENT Magazine is published by Sideways Media Ltd, Sideways Studios, Unit 3 Eden Business Centre, South Stour Avenue, Ashford, Kent, TN23 7RS
www. sidewaysmedia. co. uk For general enquiries, please contact hello @ sidewaysmedia. co. uk or 01233 226519
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© Copyright 2026. The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher. Neither the publisher nor any other person associated with the production and publication of this magazine make any guarantees, warranties or claims as to the accuracy, currency or truthfulness of any of the contents of this magazine. No part of this magazine may be copied, reproduced or transmitted in any form without the publisher’ s written consent. No responsibility is taken for unsolicited editorial, images or photographs published. While every care is taken, prices and details are subject to change and the publisher takes no responsibility for omissions or errors. Publisher is not responsible for any variation in image colour due to printing processes.
EST. 2010 MARCH 2026 FREE
DAYS OUT / DINING / ARTS + CULTURE / GETAWAYS / EVENTS
March is also the month we celebrate the mother figures in our lives, too. Boss Breaks offers a fresh take on Mother’ s Day experiences- think everything from crafts to canoeing- because one size definitely doesn’ t fit all when it comes to showing appreciation.
If history is more your pace, Life on the Cobbles will take you on a whistlestop tour of Kent’ s ancient streets, complete with suggested foodie pitstops and must-see attractions to turn a simple stroll into a full day of discovery. And, for those who prefer their heritage with a pillow, Sleeping with History throws open the( castle) doors to some of Kent’ s most storied abodes- a sleepover with a real ancestral twist!
In honour of National Bed Month( and the sheer fatigue of an iK team who have juggled back-to-back print deadlines while navigating half term), we also explore the Science of Sleep, alongside a feature on 2026’ s key sofa trends to really elevate your lounging game. Rest, after all, is a form of excellence, too.
And if excellence is what drives your me-time indulgences, we bring you a rather special exclusive review of The Lansdowne Club, tempt you with the remarkable dining experience of Twenty8 NoMad, and, closer to home, urge you to book a table at the newly reimagined Bridge Arms- trust us, you will not be disappointed.
I’ m off to celebrate my own wonderful mum with a special day out at Chilston Park’ s Clarins Mother’ s Day Afternoon Tea; there are limited spaces left if this tempts you- find all you need to know on p14.
Learning and Legends
IN THE COUNTY OF HISTORY AND SUCCESS
Here’ s to a March that rewards brilliance, honours heritage, makes space for both ambition and a well-earned rest, and that brings me some cake …
Happy celebrating, Kent!
KENT’ S WOMEN IN BUSINESS // SLEEPING WITH HISTORY ON THE COBBLES // AWARD-WINNING DINING
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Samantha samjready insidekent
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