insideKENT Magazine Issue 64 - July 2017 | Page 8

WELCOME Sipping on a summer cocktail (recipes p147) I’m excited for this issue for lots of reasons... It’s all about enjoying the Garden of England this summer – what could be better? Visit one of the many attractions, beaches or eateries we’re lucky enough to have on our doorstep; celebrate local craft, food and drink; spend the day in a beautiful park; put on a summer party with gourmet hors d’oeuvres and cocktails; or relax outside and savour a can’t-stop-until-I’ve-finished novel. You’ll find all of that and many more summer features inside these pages. Another point of July-issue excitement: one of my favourite events of the year is this month (no, I’m not talking about my birthday) – the Leeds Castle Classical Concert, this year on 8th July. If you haven’t been, now’s your chance! Imagine an evening of spectacular music from the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, summery drinks and gourmet picnics, an air display from a 1940’s Spitfire, crowds of happy people and some of the best fireworks you’ll ever see, all set in the grounds of the magnificent Leeds Castle. I can’t wait! For all those hot, sunny days Mother Nature has promised this summer (ahem, right Mother Nature?), you’ll want the right beachwear – check out some of our favourite seaside outfits starting on page 121. Whether you’ll be staying in Kent the whole summer or jetting away to another beautiful destination, I hope you can enjoy a few stress-free days to recharge! Until next month... ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• MY FAVOURITE THINGS THIS MONTH... BLACK COW VODKA MAUI JIM SUMMER TIME SUNGLASSES It’s summer, so that means cocktails (well, to me at least). I love trying new things, and this vodka made from grass-fed cows’ milk is the perfect base for all sorts of fruity, summery concoctions. £25.75 (50cl), www.blackcow.co.uk I have about 28 pairs of sunglasses, but only one pair are my favourite – these Summer Time glasses (in Toyko Tortoise) from Maui Jim. Lightweight, comfortable and stylish. £275, http://uk.mauijim.com FOLDING ROCKING CHAIR While away the summer evenings on this comfy and stylish rocking chair from Wawa. Made in London from sustainable beech and available in lots of different outdoor fabrics. £495, www.wawa.co.uk WHITE STUFF PERFECT TOTE BAG From a day trip to the beach, to an evening out with friends, or even for a short break, this bag is the perfect combination of style, size and function. £45, www.whitestuff.com 8