WELCOME
Enjoying a sunny spring day overlooking the Kent countryside
If ever an iK cover headline rang true , it ’ s this month ’ s . Of all the places in all the world , we ’ re right where we want to be when it comes to art , culture and entertainment – the Garden of England has it all . Doesn ’ t it just ?
We ’ re so lucky to live in Kent . I ’ ve lived in this beautiful county for over 10 years , and each year brings with it more spectacular events , more dining experiences , more exciting shops and businesses , and more art and culture ; so we ’ re celebrating the month of May with our annual Arts Issue .
Our cover photo , taken at Steep Street Coffee House , is a great place to start the celebrations . In the heart of Folkestone ’ s Creative Quarter , Steep Street is just one of many eateries , artist ’ s studios and speciality shops along the Old High Street and the surrounding area . Folkestone ’ s creative scene is booming ; with the expansion of the Harbour Arm and growth of the Quarter
itself , it ’ s a must-visit town in Kent ( read more starting on p69 ).
If you ’ re after an inspiring day out , head over to p36 for our Kent Art Gallery Map . It ’ s a great way to plan a day out to visit many of the local studios and galleries we have in our area . On top of this , we have plenty more art-centric features , including creative courses ( p41 ), our favourite art apps ( p44 ), summer festivals ( p49 ), Kent theatres ( p61 ) and lots more .
As always , this issue is packed full of food and drink , starting on page 94 with our top five spring recipes , and you ’ ll also find the latest fashions ( p112 ), health and wellness ( p125 ), getaways ( beautiful Venice ! p140 ) and Kent news and events . Enjoy !
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MY FAVOURITE THINGS THIS MONTH ...
SUNNYLIFE MONTAUK BEACH SEAT
It ’ s about that time of year when we can spend weekends lounging on the beach , and what better to sit on than this stylish Montauk beach seat ? Perfect to take along to the beach , festivals or a picnic .
£ 47 , www . amara . com
BOWL COCOON GAS FIRE PIT There ’ s nothing better than enjoying the outdoors on a summer ’ s evening , but sometimes ( a lot of the time ) it ’ s just a bit too chilly . That ’ s where this contemporary fire pit comes in . Style , durability and function all wrapped up in one gorgeous design . £ 729 , www . cuckooland . com
OPIHR ORIENTAL SPICED GIN Spiced gin ? Yes , please ! This unique gin has flavours of spicy cubeb berries and cardamom from Indonesia , black pepper from India and coriander from Morocco , conjuring up memories of adventure and travel . £ 22 , www . opihr . com
FORMULA RESTORE SUPER SLEEP SERUM
With work , family , and trying to find time for yourself , it ’ s no easy feat getting enough sleep every night . If you ’ re finding your eyes and skin are showing your fatigue , this serum targets dark spots , evens skin tone and visibly reduces wrinkles .
£ 16 , www . marksandspencer . com
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