Brew With a View: Kent’s Most Scenic Spots for A Warming Cuppa
When the days are long and the county is enveloped in a crisp wintry chill, there’s no better time to sip and savour a warming brew; a simple luxury made all the more enjoyable when paired with a dreamy Kentish vista.
On Monday 19 January, the nation will once again be raising a cup to Brew Monday; an important campaign championed by incredible charity, Samaritans, to remind everyone to reach out for a cuppa and a catch-up with the people they care about – ‘out with the blue and in with the brew!’.
A county brimming with serious pride for our top-notch cuppas, cosy corners and serene surroundings, Kent offers no shortage of picture-perfect pitstops and brew boltholes perfect for a winter warm-up with loved ones. From traditional settings certain to transport you to bygone times with delicate china cups to quirky seafront gems where you can watch the waves crashing against the shore and countryside retreats with flourishing greenery as far as the eye can see, when it comes to scenic sips, we’re truly spoiled for choice here in Kent. Here’s some of our favourite hotspots for banishing the January blues with a brew and a view.
For glorious gardens and community warmth
Kenward Place, Yalding
Set within a beautifully kept Georgian house and surrounded by peaceful Kentish countryside, the café at Kenward Place offers a warm and welcoming escape, with delicious food served with heaps of community impact. With every purchase directly supporting The Kenward Trust, Kent’s leading charity dedicated to transforming the lives of individuals on their journey to recovery, a brew here really does make all the difference.
Overlooking lovely gardens and open green spaces, the café’s menu features the likes of light lunches, fresh salads, sandwiches, soups and hearty pastries, as well as cakes best enjoyed with a pot of tea or a speciality coffee. There’s also a delectable range of afternoon tea, cream tea and deluxe cream tea experiences for an extra treat.
Once your beverage and homemade bite of choice have been devoured, take to the grounds of Kenward Place for a gentle stroll, meet the friendly alpacas, let the littles enjoy the wealth of outdoor space or even try your hand at some of the on-site activities such as archery or disc golf.
For countryside nourishment
Kingdom Café, Penshurst
Tucked away amongst the treetops in picturesque Penshurst, Kingdom beckons visitors to unplug, unwind and relax with family and friends. A beacon of wellness and connection sitting within 13 acres of woodland, at the heart of it all is Kingdom Café. Housed inside the striking wooden and glass structured clubhouse and boasting enchanting 360-degree views across lush Kentish countryside, whether you stay within the warmth of the cosy fairy-lit space or sit outside to soak up the surroundings when the weather allows, the café serves up an array of food and beverages. Expect delicious homemade pastries and cakes and a scrumptious all-day menu, as well as premium Tunbridge Wells Coffee Roastery cuppas and a variety of teas served just how you like them.
After your well-deserved brew, you’ll also want to explore everything else Kingdom has to offer including yoga sessions, walking trails, cycling paths, a calming holistic hut and The Outpost – a wonderful art space showcasing work by both local and international artists and designers.
Image by: Lottie Topping Photography
For pairing a cuppa with a brisk stroll
HatHats Coffee Company, Reculver & Whitstable
HatHats was founded with a simple mission: to create a truly ‘good cup of coffee’ while making a positive impact on the local community and beyond. Today, the much-loved coffee company serves up an array of exceptional, crowd-pleasing brews and fine teas alongside cakes, smoothies and hot snacks from several welcoming café locations across the county.
Two of its most striking locations are perfectly placed for a scenic winter cuppa. In Reculver, the café sits just a stone’s throw from the imposing Reculver Towers, which dominate Herne Bay’s skyline and form part of the expansive trails of Reculver Country Park – ideal for taking your drink to go as you explore this pretty stretch of coastline. Over in Whitstable at the South Quay Shed, HatHats sits nestled within the bustling activity of the harbour, with its famed seafront providing a lively backdrop for a cup of something warm and carefully crafted.
For history and quintessential grandeur
Castle View Restaurant at Leeds Castle, Maidstone
A majestic castle and manicured grounds with endless possibilities for adventure and indulgence, it’s no surprise that one of Kent’s most glamorous and grandest settings also comes highly recommended for a foodie recharge with an exceptional vista. A beautiful oak-beamed setting just across the moat from the castle itself, the excellently refurbished Castle View Restaurant offers its diners an unforgettable backdrop and a tasty lineup of eats and beverages fit for all occasions. Cakes and desserts are produced by a dedicated pastry team, speciality coffee is roasted to highlight sweetness and complexity sourced from Brazil and Ethiopia and locally sourced ingredients feature throughout – including dairy from nearby Goudhurst for those who take their brews with a splash or two of milk.
If your tea is preferred best when paired with three-tiers of classic savouries, irresistible sweet treats and fluffy scones, the restaurant is also widely known for its traditional afternoon teas – which can be enjoyed on the terrace for uninterrupted castle marvelling.
For a quirky brew by the sea
SIP at the Signal Box, Folkestone
Housed in Folkestone’s historic former signal box building on the harbour, this charming little spot by the water has been brilliantly converted by passionate owners Perri and Brad, who have revived its original character while creating a truly unique hub for coffee lovers and coastal explorers alike. With sweeping sea views and trendy bar-style seating offering a front-row perch for people-watching, boat-spotting or simply soaking up the seaside sparkle, it’s the perfect setting to pause – or grab a takeaway for a wander along the Harbour Arm and Folkestone beach boardwalk.
SIP are also true masters at top-quality beverages. From organic teas and vibrant matchas to warming chai, luxurious hot chocolates and fantastic coffee supplied by Kent’s Garage Coffee Roasters. If you’re stopping for a bite to eat, SIP’s sandwiches are unmissable. Using only the best ingredients, each sandwich is made-to-order on soft white or granary farmhouse bread, handmade by the expert bakers at Gilda in Bishopsbourne. For those with a sweet tooth, a tempting selection of bakes is sure to take your fancy, from rich chocolate brownies and buttery toasted teacakes to fresh slices of banana bread.
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