TOWNSPOTLIGHT
Chatham cont.
19,000 sailors from World War I and World War II who have no graves, there is a children’ s play area, lovely cycle routes, beautiful nature walks, various organised events, a wildflower area, a football pitch and a useful visitor centre.
Buckmore Park
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garlic and curry leaves) and Kathmandu kukhura( boneless chicken in an aromatic sauce with mashed aubergine, melon seeds, yoghurt and spices).
Villagio Ristorante Describing itself as a modern Italian restaurant that is perfect for families, this is the restaurant to try when you want something authentic but different to the norm. Villagio Ristorante has its own large pizza oven, but there is definitely more on the menu than pizza – other delights include smoked salmon and mascarpone ravioli, penne pollo funghi( pan fried chicken breast with mushrooms, red onions and broccoli in either a classic tomato or cream sauce) and primavera( a traditional Italian risotto with white wine, courgettes, green beans, peas, broccoli, roasted butternut squash, grana padano and fresh mint).
Café Nucleus Café Nucleus is located just off Chatham’ s main high street, but in its gloriously secluded setting you’ d be forgiven for forgetting that the town is just a few steps away. With afternoon teas( including champagne), and as many ingredients as possible sourced from local farms, Café Nucleus is a haven of tranquillity.
We have seen many new circuits introduced into the Formula 1 programme. Some have character like Austin, Texas which includes the tarmac run off areas, the painted strips and the introduction of purpose built barriers to replace the tyre walls, which have been the main stay in motorsport.
Buckmore Park is no exception – it is a historic karting venue where the very best of F1 and Indy champions learn their skills, as well as being one of the most popular leisure and corporate karting venues in the UK. The decision was made to make Buckmore Park karting circuit even more special by updating it to look like a mini Grand Prix circuit.
The same contractor that carried out numerous Grand Prix track works, came to Buckmore to do the painted run-off strips following the extensive tarmacking works on the run-off areas. They also have purposebuilt British-made barriers fitted, all in the rebranded blue of the Team Surtees colours to reflect the new ownership.
The work was all completed in time for the British Championship races and the start of the peak summer season in June.
Buckmore Park has received great feedback from the racing, leisure and corporate competitors, not only from the point of view of the driving experience on the newly improved track but also the aesthetics.
Proceeding this, and following the takeover in April 2015, the adult, junior and bambino kart fleet have all been renewed and updated to ensure all competitors have the best possible experience at Buckmore Park.
Kent therefore can boast not only having one of the most historic kart tracks in the world, but one of the most impressive and advanced karting circuits in the world.
Dockside Outlet Centre For those who love to shop, the Dockside Outlet Centre is the place to go when in Chatham. It’ s also the place to go for those who love a bargain, since there is up to 60 percent off the usual retail prices in this fabulous outlet centre. Not only are there plenty of shops to enjoy( including Marks & Spencer, The Works, The Gift Company and Discount Toy Warehouse), but there are also some great restaurants too such as Nandos and Dean’ s Diner.
DINING OUT
Gurkhas Brother The food served at Gurkhas Brother is known to be upmarket, fine dining Indian and Nepalese style. Everything is cooked to order in the restaurant, and as many of the ingredients as possible are sourced locally( although some of the more exotic ones are imported, out of necessity!). The menu features familiar dishes as well as some lesser known ones including Gurkha fish curry( tilapia fish cooked in a coconut sauce with mustard seeds, ginger,
ANNUAL EVENTS
Fuse Medway Festival // June Fuse is an exciting annual event that includes death-defying circus performances, installation art, incredible shows, live music and much more. It all takes place out on the streets of Chatham and Rochester.
Chatham Maritime Food & Drink Festival // May With food and drink from award-winning local( and not so local!) producers, the Chatham Maritime Food & Drink Festival is fast becoming one of the most looked forward to events on the calendar for producers and foodies alike.
Festival of Steam & Transport // March With a free steam funfair, street acts, performances, vintage locomotives and cars and stalls aplenty, it’ s no wonder that the annual Festival of Steam & Transport is so well-loved and looked forward to.
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The Historic Dockyard in Chatham is home to many and varied exhibitions and things to do. Here you can discover how ships were built, and learn about the history behind them. You can explore a real submarine and walk the streets where Call The Midwife – and many other productions – were filmed. You can find out how rope is made and why Chatham was such an important site.
DID YOU KNOW?
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Although Chatham Dockyard is famous for being in Chatham itself, two thirds of the site is actually located in Gillingham.
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