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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