insideKENT Magazine issue 94 - January2020 | Page 35

VISITKENT GARDEN OF ENGLAND CONT. Calling all the Memory Makers Calling all the Taste Makers Families, this one is for you! 100 years ago the iconic Scenic Railway first arrived in Margate and Dreamland was born! There may have been many rides since, but this vintage favourite still stands, so we reckon it’s time you packed up the family, from the little ones to the grandparents, and made the pilgrimage back to the land of dreams. Plus, with heaps of festivals going on this year, including The Kent County Show and Dickensian Christmas, you might want to stick around and discover a few more family favourites. You didn’t think we’d forgotten our foodie roots, did you? We are famous for our oysters, fresh fruit and veg, hops and wine around here, so it’s time to raise a glass and start celebrating! From the great Faversham Hop Festival, to the Wine Garden of England’s celebration of our vineyards, and tours of the newly opened Curious Brewery in Ashford, there is plenty going on in Kent to raise a toast to in 2020. KENT’S TOP COSY WINTER PUBS THE GRIFFIN'S HEAD When there's a chill in the air and a frost on the ground, there's nothing like some hearty fayre, a local tipple and a cosy pub corner to help you get toasty. Whether it's a pub with a roaring fire, gastronomic delights or windswept sea views you're looking for, Visit Kent’s round-up of top Kentish pubs all offer a retreat from the cold and a refreshing local pint or two. The Sun Inn, Faversham The Griffin's Head, Canterbury Escape from the everyday to one of the most popular pubs in historic Faversham. With a tale to tell that dates back to the 14th century, The Sun Inn bursts full of history, charm and character. Explore this traditional Kentish pub brimming with intriguing original features – indulging the nostalgic with its inglenook fireplaces and oak beams. Just a short stroll from the Shepherd Neame brewery, The Sun Inn naturally serves distinctive Kentish cask ales in peak condition. It’s also a great place to eat and even stay - with twelve comfortable and characterful bedrooms providing stylish accommodation. This picturesque country pub offers real ales, good food and great views of the Kentish countryside. It is popular during the winter for its two blazing log fires roaring in inglenook fireplaces. Built as a farmhouse in 1405, during the reign of Edward I, the building remained a farm until 1766 when it became fully licensed, serving travellers on the main Canterbury to Deal road. 35