TOWNSPOTLIGHT
Spotlight on
PADDOCK WOOD
PADDOCK WOOD CAN BE FOUND NESTLED NEATLY BETWEEN TUNBRIDGE WELLS, TONBRIDGE AND MAIDSTONE. ITS POPULATION OF JUST OVER 8,000 PEOPLE ARE A MIX OF AGES AND THEY ENJOY A VARIETY OF DIFFERENT HOBBIES( MANY OF WHICH CAN BE CARRIED OUT IN THE TOWN ITSELF), BUT THE ONE THING THEY HAVE IN COMMON IS THAT THEY HAVE CHOSEN TO LIVE IN A TOWN THAT IS AS PRETTY AS IT IS INTERESTING. BY LISAMARIE LAMB
HISTORY IN BRIEF
Unlike many of its neighbours, Paddock Wood is a‘ new’ town, which started life in 1842. This was mainly due to the railway which passed through the area, using the area that became known as Paddock Wood as a place to pause when necessary. Seeing this, some rather intrepid entrepreneurs realised that they could build a town around what had previously been hop fields. Less than 10 years later the town was built, and by 1900 Paddock Wood had become the central hub for a network of useful branch lines throughout Kent.
The hops grown in Paddock Wood were its main industry for many years, and the trains would bring the hop pickers in from London for their annual holiday.
THINGS TO DO
Moonlight Drive In Cinema The drive-in cinema was once the preserve of America in the 50s and 60s, but it has made a massive comeback in recent time and can now be found all over the UK – including Paddock Wood. It’ s a fantastic concept, and so easy to enjoy – just park up and re-tune your car radio so that you can hear the film! Upcoming showings include Logan, Patriots Day and Kong: Skull Island.
West Kent Shooting School At West Kent Shooting School you can learn all you need to know about clay pigeon shooting. And if you’ re an expert already, you can book a time to go and enjoy your hobby. Set in 20 acres of woodland and landscaped grounds, there are over 100 different types of targets. Everything is laid out to be as natural as possible, giving those who want to give this a shot the best chance of getting the hang of it.
TimeQuest: Live Escape Room In this real-time game, players are locked in a room and have 60 minutes to work out how to escape. It’ s a thrilling, adrenalin-inducing way to have fun, and the escape room at Paddock Wood has a time travelling theme to make it even more mind bending!
DINING OUT
The Elm Tree The Elm Tree in Paddock Wood is a traditional English pub with stunning views out across the Kent countryside. Recently refurbished, there is a great place for families to enjoy some freshly cooked food that uses as much local produce as possible. The menu features some delicious dishes including authentic Greek food that has impressed locals and visitors alike.
Simla Cuisine For a fantastic example of how Indian food should be, Simla Cuisine is the place to visit. Both a takeaway and a restaurant, the friendly staff and relaxed décor make Simla a fun place to eat that also have great food. And if you’ re not sure about having something too spicy, you can even specify the spice level when you order. The menu includes jera chicken, king prawn vindaloo, maharani and chicken kazana as well as much more.
Bella Oliva This restaurant is situated in the famous Paddock Wood Hop Farm, and it is a wonderful place to have a sumptuous lunch or dinner. It is intimate and relaxed and makes the most of the natural sunlight that comes through the windows. The menu includes chicken thermidor( chicken breast cooked in the restaurant’ s own cheese, onion, cream and brandy sauce), penne basilica( penne pasta cooked in onions, white wine, garlic, sundried tomatoes, chopped olives, basil and olive oil), chicken peppercorn risotto( diced chicken and chopped pepperoni in Napolitano sauce and a touch of cream and herbs) and Greenland mussels( fresh, large New Zealand mussels in Sicilian sauce).
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