Your Guide To Rochester: Where to Stay, Eat, Drink & Explore
THE INSIDEGUIDE TO ROCHESTER
Crooked timber-framed houses perched upon historic cobbled streets and fine architecture shaping one of Kent’s most-famed skylines… Romantic Rochester promises story and spirit in equal measure.
Offering a snapshot of bygone times, while boasting a destination looking ahead to a future glowing with endless creativity, it’s little wonder as to why Rochester is one of Kent’s most-adored staycation spots.
A storybook brought to life, Rochester was once the proud home of praised Victorian novelist Charles Dickens, who lived in the area as a child and returned later as a celebrated author. Taking great inspiration from the picturesque town, Dickens still beckons visitors today to marvel at the many surviving buildings that once set the scene for his beloved novels.
Not simply just a relic of the transformative Victorian era however, Rochester’s landscape is also crowned by a magnificent Norman fortress and a remarkable cathedral, both of which have stood proudly at the Medway town’s heart for centuries. Today, while unmissable for its historical gems, Rochester positively thrives as an indie-lovers’ haven. With its renowned high street – the place to be to explore all this diverse town has to offer – a vibrant art scene and artisan delights galore, Rochester is a mosaic of magic and warmth awaiting to be uncovered. WORDS BY MIA CHAPMAN
TOP ROCHESTER PICKS
Top Eats
Located only a stone’s throw from one another, The Cheese Room’s charming deli, café and welcoming restaurant and terrace boast a vast selection of artisan tipples and comforting eats fit for every occasion.
Top History
A place of Christian worship since AD 604, this awe-inspiring cathedral welcomes visitors to worship, to admire its striking architecture or to enjoy its host of special events including musical performances and fascinating history showcases.
Top Brunch
A more recent addition to Rochester’s thriving foodie scene, this trendy café is serious about its breakfast and brunch offerings, serving everything from fluffy pancakes to eggs cooked just how you like them.
“I love Rochester because there is so much to discover. You can explore over a thousand years of history in just one day, from the cathedral – the second oldest in England – to the iconic Norman castle. The historic high street is full of quirky independent shops and restaurants, and the town as a whole is a real hidden South East gem.”
Simon Lace, Chief Operating Officer, Rochester Cathedral
SUMPTUOUS STAYS
With exceptional views out to Rochester Castle and cathedral, this centrally located and beautifully refurbished abode perfectly showcases its unique natural character while boasting rich and warm interiors made up of gorgeous fabrics, antique pieces and vibrant local artwork.
A luxurious private apartment located just a short drive away from Rochester that offers an array of incredible facilities such as a poolside bar and BBQ, private pool, hot tub and outdoor lounging areas.
Set in the picturesque hamlet of St. Mary Hoo amongst acres of beautiful Kentish countryside, these wonderfully furnished, oak-beamed holiday cottages provide the perfect retreat, each offering comfortable, stylishly renovated open-plan living/dining areas and kitchens.
TOP BARS IN TOWN
Made up of five dazzling spaces, each uniquely furnished and fit for all manner of celebrations, this vibrant venue is prided on its stunning 14th-century crypt and its extensive drinks menu featuring everything from fine wines and premium spirits to house cocktails and mocktails.
A lively restaurant, bar and events venue where guests can dine, drink or dance the night away. Complete with stylish interiors, an inviting garden and a spirited atmosphere, Oliver’s is the perfect destination for both casual dinners and unforgettable soirées.
Cherished for its heartfelt connection to the charming Dickensian town, Jaggers is a buzzing restaurant and cocktail bar offering over 40 snazzy handcrafted cocktails made to order. With delicious coffee served by day and tasty bites from breakfast to evening small plates.
COFFEE BREAK
The locally loved Lenny’s of Rochester is beloved for its daily displays of freshly baked cakes, pastries and paninis served from both its flagship high street bakery and patisserie, and its welcoming café in Eastgate Gardens.
A popular town centre haven where community, quality and a true love of coffee combine to create a wonderfully cosy spot to enjoy an exceptional brew. Serving freshly prepared sandwiches and cakes, as well as a wide array of hot, cold and alcoholic beverages.
An award-winning café set in one of Rochester’s grandest buildings offering a sumptuous setting for brunch, lunch, afternoon tea, drinks or evening fine dining. Admire the café’s unique artwork as you sip and savour your beverage of choice.
DIVINE DINING
An exquisite steak and lobster house that believes in the best of British food, Brettington’s enticingly fuses old English recipes with modern flavours to create their famed menus. Dishes here highlight the finest in-house butchered cuts and the freshest seafood, complemented by vegetable and chicken dishes, and perfectly paired Chapel Down wines.
Inspired by the incredible authentic BBQ flavours discovered on their global travels, the team behind Rochester-favourite SMOQE are truly passionate about the joy that handmade, honest comfort food brings. Perfectly rich, flavoursome and always handcrafted with love, SMOQE’s iconic burger lineup is mouthwateringly marvellous.
Showcasing the freshest of ingredients from both land and sea, Fish at 55’s considered menus let Kent’s shining seafood flavours take centre stage. With delectable handcrafted sushi from esteemed master sushi chef Thiago Krobath, showstopping house cocktails and a sleek, sophisticated dining space.
CULTURAL HOTSPOTS
Image by: Visit Medway
Situated on the bank of the River Medway, this mighty and strategically significant fortress stands as a proud reminder of the town’s complex history. Built in the 1080s in stone by Gundulf, Bishop of Rochester, Rochester Castle was one of the earliest such buildings in England – with its later addition of a Norman tower-keep of Kentish ragstone which was built around 1127 by William of Corbeil, Archbishop of Canterbury.
An ever-changing and truly inspiring roster of exhibitions awaits at this intimate yet boldly creative gallery, part of the buzzing Nucleus Arts venue at the Halpern Conservancy building which is also home to Café Nucleus, artist studios and digital workspace, The Lightbox.
Built in 1687, Rochester’s iconic Guildhall once incorporated a courtroom and council chamber, which later featured in Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations. Founded later on in 1897 in honour of Queen Victoria’s diamond jubilee, the museum houses collections that tell the story of Medway from its Roman origins to the present day. Climb aboard a full-size reconstruction of part of an 18th-century Medway prison hulk and touch a 200,000-year-old axe.
MUST-SHOP STORES
A delightful women’s fashion boutique displaying a wonderful and unique array of high quality clothing, shoes and handbags. With its latest seasonal stock set to excite and a friendly team who are always on hand to help you dress to impress.
Browse a curated collection of Nordic and country style inspired home accessories and gifts at this high street gem run by passionate team, Philippe and Anke Hatch. Showcasing one-of-a-kind homewares sourced from across the globe alongside their own range of exclusively designed and made products.
Stretching across three locations on the high street, these vivid boutiques are a must-visit for their eclectic array of treasures ranging from clothing, houseplants and pet accessories to books and beauty buys.
OUTDOORSY SPOTS
Admire the town’s remarkable landscape as you stroll along the popular Rochester Esplanade – a lovingly cared for green space that runs alongside the River Medway. Home to a children’s play area and an outdoor gym, with access to Rochester Pier which is now being restored to its former glory, the esplanade is a hub of outdoor adventure and community gatherings.
Perched proudly on the banks of the River Medway and surrounded by serene grounds, this rare and beautifully imposing example of an Elizabethan artillery fort was first built in 1559 and redeveloped between 1599 and 1601 to protect warships moored at Chatham’s dockyards.
Grade II listed gardens nestled in the town centre that come steeped in centuries of history. Until 1880, this now idyllic park was the redundant orchard and smallholding which used to be part of St Andrews Priory and fed the local monks. Perfectly shaded from a wealth of luscious trees, The Vines is regularly visited by intrigued tourists as the missing spike on the railings opposite Restoration House marks the spot where Charles Dickens was last seen in public three days before he died.
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