FOOD + DRINK
NUMBER EIGHT
LIFE ON HIGH X THREE SISTERS
SHWEN SHWEN BY MARIA BRADFORD
© Andrew Hayes Watkins
ON THE FOODIE TRAIL IN … SEVENOAKS
THE OLD KENT BARN
Surrounded by rolling countryside and steeped in a historical grandeur that beckons visitors from near and far, not to mention a wealth of opulent offerings and sophisticated culinary experiences, Sevenoaks stands poised for those who wish to dine in style.
The UK’ s largest lavender farm and a mixed tenure that’ s home to a hop garden and apple orchard growing a host of produce from fruit, dried flowers and pumpkins to wheat, barley, linseed and rapeseed, Castle Farm( castlefarmkent. co. uk) is a wonderful place to begin your day. Visit the farm’ s award-winning shop where they sell their own beef, apples, Kentish hop garlands, lavender oils, food essences, lavender teas and honey along with seasonal decorations, locally produced food, gifts, hampers and crafts, before picking up your first coffee of the day at The Coffee Cart, where barista-made hot drinks, ice creams, iced coffees, refreshing cold drinks and cups of tea are served.
Heading to the heart of the town’ s handsome high street, Life on High x Three Sisters( lifeonhigh. co. uk) is a vibrant spot for brunch with a difference. The nutritious breakfast and all-day bites here are packed with in-season, organic local produce and are thoughtfully balanced. The café is also widely known for its delicious speciality coffee and relaxed sociable evening dining as the hub transforms into a vibey bar and kitchen by night.
For those with a sweet tooth, a visit here simply wouldn’ t be complete without stopping off at Eat‘ n’ Mess, a fantastic gluten-free bakery and café with a mouthwatering array of cookies, cakes, doughnuts and more. Its popular Sevenoaks pod is a great spot to recharge with a unique outdoor space, covered courtyard and plenty of savoury dishes to choose from, too( eatnmesscakes. co. uk).
For wine lovers, lunchtime presents the perfect opportunity to peel off to the vines of The Mount Vineyard. In the beautiful setting of the Darent Valley, the vineyard’ s own restaurant provides a picturesque setting to savour its heralded still and sparkling wines, perfectly paired with casual sharing platters of cheese, locally sourced fruit, vegetables and breads or fresh stonebaked pizzas( themountvineyard. co. uk).
If you’ re staying more central, the family and dog-friendly Bucks Head( bucksheadsevenoaks. co. uk) awaits with a hearty pub lunch sure to please all. With beautiful gardens and open fires, the pub’ s menu changes every week depending on the local seasonal produce available, while British classics and a cherished Sunday roast remain menu mainstays.
By evening, Sevenoaks truly shines as a dining destination. Try the newly opened and uber-stylish Portrait Kitchen & Bar( portraitkitchenandbar. co. uk) for predinner crafted cocktails or to sample its contemporary cooking, or relish a lively yet relaxed dining experience at Branded( brandedsteaks. co. uk), a well-established eatery showcasing renowned steak and burger offerings alongside fresh fish, chicken, pasta and vegetarian dishes.
For something a little more refined, Stuart Gillies and wife Cecilia have mastered a mix of modern European cuisine and traditional British fare at the acclaimed Number Eight( no8sevenoaks. com). Named Michelin Opening of the Year 2026 and earning an esteemed Bib Gourmand, Shwen Shwen by Maria Bradford( shwenshwen. com) brings the bold and vibrant flavours of Sierra Leone to the heart of Sevenoaks, redefining fine dining through a distinctive Afro-fusion menu that celebrates Maria’ s heritage and is well worth the visit. www. insidekent. co. uk • 93