More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
We’ve teamed up with Southeastern to find the best winter hidden gems across Kent – all just a 15-minute walk or less from your nearest mainline station.
VIDEO: Here's one of the Hidden Gems nominated by Southeastern.
Over the last few weeks we’ve been highlighting some of the best-kept secrets our county has to offer. We’ve featured cafes, walks and beaches from Sheerness to Folkestone and Tonbridge to Margate.
To see some of those already featured, read our stories at kentonline.co.uk/whats-on
We’ve also been asking readers to come up with their suggestions with the sender of every nomination entered into a draw to win one of two luxury Christmas hampers. There’s also a pair of FREE Southeastern weekend train passes to use in the New Year so you can check out the #SEhiddengems for yourself or to revisit your favourite.
Here’s a small selection to whet your appetite for next week’s big reveal: which ones have been chosen as the winning Souteastern #SEhidden gems for this winter across Kent – and who has won the prizes for nominating them!
Cellars Alehouse, Maidstone, nominated by Ed Birch.
A stone’s throw from Maidstone West station, the micropub’s ethos is good ale and good conversation. Dedicated to the enjoyment of real ale and ciders straight from the cask, it aims to promote social interaction: no mobile phones allowed! There are fortnightly fun quizzes, board games to play and newspapers and books to read. Head to the Old Brewery at Buckland Road.
Visit thecellarsalehouse.co.uk
Steep Street Cafe, Folkestone – nominated by Eleanor Smith from Folkestone and Amber Vellacott from Canterbury
The literary coffee shop, inspired by the famous book cafés of Paris, has walls lined with scores of books. In the tradition of the first European coffee houses, the cafe is a hub for lively conversation, meetings, reading, writing and entertaining. All fuelled by coffee, sandwiches, paninis and plenty of other treats. The Steep Street Cafe is in the Old High Street.
Call 01303 247819, visit steepstreet.co.uk
Beano’s Vegetarian Cafe, Folkestone – nominated by Deborah Fisher from Folkestone
This family-run, licensed, vegetarian cafe bar, offers a selection of breakfasts, lunches and snacks. You can eat in or take away and there’s vegan options always available. It’s close to the Quarterhouse in Tontine Street.
Call 01303 211817 or like the Facebook page at facebook.com/BeanosVegetarian
Chocolate Cafe, Canterbury – nominated by Louise Round from Herne Bay
This independent cafe bar in Guildhall Street, Canterbury is just steps away from the cathedral gate, the High Street, and the station. Gaze out on the cathedral while sipping a delicious Italian coffee, enjoying some Belgian chocolates or relaxing with a smooth glass of red. Serving high quality food and drink, you’ll love the enticing aroma of the coffee.
SPOTS
The Vines, Rochester – nominated by Angela Bah from Rochester
A lovely tree-lined riverside walk behind the train station, leading to several hidden gems such as the Hugenot Museum. The Grade II listed park overlooks some of the town’s architecturally important buildings and is where Charles Dickens is known to have taken a stroll just days before his death in 1870. Visit medway.gov.uk
Playopolis Board Games Cafe, Rochester – nominated by Rebecca Webb from Rainham
The cosy cafe at the Star Hill end of the High Street, has a large range of board games to try, as well as a selection of drinks and snacks to keep you well fuelled as you play.
Visit facebook.com/playopolis
Royal Cinema, Faversham – nominated by Hilary Spon, Canterbury
This relaxed, independent cinema shows major releases and also has one-night film club screenings of more arty offerings. It’s at
Market Place - a short walk down Preston Street from the station.
Visit royalcinema.co.uk
Nucleus Arts Cafe, Rochester – nominated by Rebecca Webb from Rainham
The gallery and internet cafe in Rochester High Street is just a few steps away from the cathedral and war memorial. It is open seven days a week, with a selection of affordable, original and local art on sale.
Visit nucleusarts.com
Le Petit Jardin, Tunbridge Wells – nominated by Matt Harris from Ashford
The homes and gardens shop sells plenty of “lovely” things, as its website proudly states, to make your house and garden even more beautiful. There’s everything from hammocks and lanterns to stoves and picnic blankets.
