insideKENT Magazine Issue 85 - April 2019 | Page 38

TOWNSPOTLIGHT SPOTLIGHT ON PETTS WOOD CONT. WILLETT MEMORIAL Things to Do The William Willett Memorial William Willett was a staunch campaigner for daylight savings time. Although he lived in Chislehurst (close by to Petts Wood), there is a memorial to him in the form of a sundial in the wood itself. In 1907, Willett published (using his own money) a pamphlet entitled The Waste of Daylight. The proposal that he put forward was that the clocks should go forward by 80 minutes every April, and back 80 minutes in September, although this should be done in steps, at 20 minutes each Sunday during those months. Petts Wood & Hawkwood – National Trust An oasis of peace and tranquility and full of natural history, the area is a haven for all kinds of birds, butterflies, amphibians and plant life. This 150-acre estate is perfect for exploring all year round; take the kids, the dog, and while away a day amongst the ancient woodland and pastures. Jubilee Country Park Jubilee Country Park is 62 acres of wildflower meadows, hedgerows, and semi-natural ancient woodland. It is a beautiful spot to enjoy the countryside around Petts Wood. It is possible to walk along a specially designed ‘wildlife corridor’ between this park and nearby Scadbury Park Local Nature Reserve. Jubilee Country Park is a Site of Metropolitan Important for Nature Conservation Grade II, which means it is protected by local 38 CYPRIANIS environmental groups, Natural England, and the Forestry Commission. It contains chalk meadows that are an important habitat for wildlife, and is also part of the London cycle network. Dining Out One Inn The Wood Cask ale served as good as it gets. See your pint poured direct from the barrel in One Inn The Wood’s temperature controlled beer room. Wine, cider, the One Inn The Wood G+T, crisps, cheese, pork pies and snacks all sourced locally. The pub has been open for five years, and for five years it has been in the Good Beer Guide as well as being CAMRA Greater London Pub of the Year 2015. Cow & Bean Coffee House Cow & Bean serves the best carrot cake in South East London; try them to test their claim. They also have a wide selection of coffees, teas, milkshakes and hot chocolate, plus antipasti, wines, beers, gins and cocktails! Rising Sun This fantastic little gem of a restaurant offers sushi in many different forms. The Rising Sun welcomes visitors with open arms, and diners are treated to exceptional dishes that, some have commented, are just as good as the sushi they have sampled in Japan. Dishes include flying fish roe, salmon, avocado and mayonnaise roll and a superb set menu. The restaurant only seats eight guests at a time (so it’s a good idea to book), giving it an intimate and special vibe. Cyprianis Mediterranean Bar & Grill Created by restaurateur Nick Constantine, this exceptional restaurant serving fresh and delicious food in beautiful surroundings is an ideal place to enjoy a night out. Food includes Iberico ham croquettes with pea purée and a micro herb salad; pan fried halloumi with smoked pork loin, vine tomatoes and pesto; lamb kleftiko and tempura of monkfish with fries, pea purée and mixed leaves. Indian Essence Situated in the heart of Petts Wood, Indian Essence showcases traditional Indian Cuisine with a groundbreaking menu that is sure to excite its discerning clientele, yet satisfy traditional palates. Dishes include some truly exceptional food such as makali fry (crispy fried squid with chillies and lime dressing), khasta murg (chicken tikka pie with a spiced prune compote), and golmirch gosht (slow-cooked goat cooked with crushed peppers). Indian Essence also offers a tasting menu and a deluxe party menu too.