insideKENT Magazine Issue 68 - November 2017 | Page 8

WELCOME
As I write this, the wind is howling, the sky is a
muddy grey, and it’s cold. Really cold. That
can only mean one thing: it’s time for coffee
and a giant piece of cake. That, and it’s
probably winter.
It’s November – another year almost
over, 2018 just up ahead, New Year’s
resolutions to plan. But before all that,
let’s talk about Christmas.
Enjoying a glass of wine at the
insideKENT Autumn Drinks Reception
at Champneys, Eastwell Manor (p18).
This year, I’m spending Christmas with
my extended family, who happen to live in
a warm and sunny part of the world. Seeing
Santa in Bermuda shorts and twinkly lights on
palm trees is always slightly confusing; to me,
Christmas and cold weather are like fish and
chips, or coffee and cake (I obviously need coffee
and cake right now) – they just go together.
Though I won’t be able to enjoy crisp air and
crackling fires this 25th December, I’ll be with my
family, which is more important than any
weather, wouldn’t you agree?
Besides the never-ending quest to keep frostbite off
your toes, November is also the month most people
start their Christmas shopping, and we’re quite the
lucky lot to live in Kent when it comes to finding
the perfect gift. Spend the day at Bluewater and
you’ll have your pick of over 300 stores and 50
restaurants; or, visit Folkestone’s Creative Quarter
for an eclectic mix of independent shops and cafés
(p71). Wherever you find yourself in The Garden of
England, you’ll find a Santa-friendly shopping
destination nearby.
Christmas isn’t the only thing on our mind this
month – you’ll find all our usual features in this
issue: Events (p23), Days Out (p54), and Arts &
Entertainment, including an interview with the
talented singer-songwriter Paloma Faith (p32).
I hope you enjoy the run-up to the festive season –
don’t forget to stock up on a colourful selection of
bed socks. Keep in touch on Facebook, Twitter and
Instagram and let us know what you’re up to. See
you in December!
And nothing goes with family better than food.
We do like our food here at iK, especially when
that food is served at a cosy Kentish pub. This
month, we’ve rounded up some of our favourite
winter-warmer pubs to keep your body
temperature up, and your stomach full (p85).
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MY FAVOURITE THINGS THIS MONTH...
BLUEWATER
It has become a family tradition to visit Bluewater at
Christmastime – the lights, the festive atmosphere,
and of course the shops and restaurants. And don’t
forget Santa’s grotto and ice skating!
www.bluewater.co.uk
ORLA KIELY BUDDY STEM NECKLACE
Simple and nature inspired, the Buddy Stem necklace
incorporates the iconic Orla Kiely Stem pattern –
available in gold or rose gold-plated, or sterling silver.
£80, www.amara.com
ALEXEEVA & JONES SEA SALT AND CARAMEL CHOCOLATES
This 9-piece selection is perfect for any salt-caramel-chocolate lover. Features
chocolates from master chocolatiers from Belgium, France, Italy and the UK.
£14.95, www.alexeevajones.com
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HELEN MOORE LUXURY FAUX FUR THROW
Stay cosy this winter with this luxurious
faux fur throw from designer Helen
Moore. Looks fabulous draped over an
armchair – made in the UK.
£105, www.black-by-design.co.uk