FOOD + DRINK
And Pup Came Too cont...
©© Visit Tunbridge Wells
DEAL PIER KITCHEN ARTHUR’ S
Autumn brings plenty to look forward to. The air is finally cooling, the evenings are drawing in and Kent’ s restaurants are embracing the season with nourishing menus and delicious local produce. However, it’ s not just us humans who can enjoy everything that this time of year has to offer.
Whether you’ re looking for a mid-walk coffee and a well-earned snack, a leisurely lunch, or a cosy evening of classic pub grub or refined dining, we’ ve rounded up some of the best dog-friendly spots to visit this autumn. So grab the lead, gather the family and let the adventure begin, because dining out is even better when pup comes too.
WHERE TO GO FOR … BRUNCH
At the start of the day, those late-morning brunches make for the perfect casual dining experience. Whether surrounded by Kent’ s woodland or tucked away in a cosy café, finding a dog-friendly brunch spot is easier than you might think think.
Starting off in West Kent, if you’ re looking for a brunch spot where dogs take precedence over people, make your way to Arthur’ s( arthurscranbrook. co. uk) in Cranbrook. A charming coffee house on the High Street, this newly renovated café has a sleek, camera-ready interior and is aptly named after the owner’ s beloved cocker spaniel- you guessed it- Arthur!
The warm and inviting atmosphere welcomes dogs of all shapes and sizes. There’ s plenty of space beneath the tables for four-legged friends to settle down, while jars filled with gravy bones and bowls of water are always on hand; it is clear the pooch-first mentality sits at the heart of Arthur’ s.
Once your canine companion is taken care of, you can settle down to a leisurely brunch, where portions most certainly don’ t come in halves. Overflowing bagels, generously stuffed sandwiches, sizzling bacon and golden-yolked eggs make for the perfect brunch choices. As you watch the world go by from the window, don’ t be surprised to find a pair of very large and rather endearing eyes watching you from beneath the table, patiently waiting for that next piece of bacon to mysteriously find its way onto the floor.
For a late morning spent in the city, Canterbury boasts more than just historical wonders and excellent shopping destinations. If your pooch is joining you, head to Café No. 35( cafeno35. co. uk). More than your regular café, this botanical retreat is made for unwinding, making it an ideal place to rest and reset with your four-legged friends, particularly for dogs who might be a little more nervous in busy surroundings. Fresh local ingredients are at the heart of each dish; a brunch here could mean smashed avocado on toast topped with two eggs cooked your way, or vanilla French toast served with seasonal fruit, homemade sweet sauce and maple syrup. Each dish brings together fresh flavours that make for a relaxed yet indulgent late-morning stop.
If you’ re looking for a brunch stop after a dog walk, Deer Park Café( thedeerparkcafeeridge. com) is another one to add to the list. Start with a circular walk directly from the car park and follow the designated paths through the nearby woodland. This dog-friendly route has plenty of opportunities for your fourlegged friend to stretch their legs and enjoy a suitable sniff session before heading back to the café for a well-deserved brunch.
Once you arrive, choose from the renovated barn featuring timber frames and cosy corners for those colder mornings, or, when the sun is shining, head outside to the covered seating area. There’ s plenty of room for your dog to settle down while you tuck into a thick-cut bacon sandwich served on locally baked granary or sourdough. If you fancy something a little sweeter, try the toasted banana bread with yoghurt, pecans and local honey that’ s produced just a few miles away in the nearby village of Frant.
104 • www. insidekent. co. uk