FOOD + DRINK
IT ’ S TIME FOR Tea & Cake ! cont .
The Tulip Tree Tea Rooms // Chiddingstone
Chiddingstone is the quintessential English village – it ’ s owned by the National Trust , and it doesn ’ t get much more traditional than that . So a tearoom within that village has to be something pretty special indeed ; and it is . The Tulip Tree Tea Rooms is housed in an old converted coach house , and it is certainly lovely . The attached gift shop has a fantastic claim to fame as well – it is said to be the oldest working shop in the UK ; someone has been selling something from that location since 1453 ! 3 The Village , Chiddingstone TN8 7AH www . thetuliptree . biz
Alice ’ s Tea Shop // Sevenoaks
There are lots of options to choose from at Alice ’ s Tea Shop located in the St Johns Hill area of Sevenoaks – cakes and treats are made fresh and with a definite sprinkling of love , and there are gluten free options available too . What makes Alice ’ s extra special is that it is guaranteed to be child friendly ; there are activities for the kiddies to enjoy , and mums , dads and grandparents can relax completely . During the holidays there are often craft days to enjoy too . 114 St . John ’ s Hill , Sevenoaks TN13 3PD www . alicessevenoaks . co . uk
Cocolicious // Cranbrook
Owner Lucinda ‘ Loulou ’ Hamilton grew up making memories with her family over a shared love of food , so when it came to opening her own business , she knew a patisserie had to be the way to go . She learned her trade at The Ritz under Anton Mosimann , and now brings that superb style and taste to Cranbrook with Cocolicious . Friendly service , a comfortable setting , fantastic food made with carefully sourced ingredients … what ’ s not to love ? Stone Street , Cranbrook TN17 3HF www . cocolicious . co . uk
Mulberry ’ s Tea Room // Charing
Cosy is the ideal word to describe this delightful , traditional tearoom on Charing High Street . The homebaked goodies are wonderful , and this is the perfect place to soak up the atmosphere and have a break from the world for a little bit . 42 The High Street , Charing TN27 0HX www . mulberrys . co
The Vinery Café // Hawkhurst
The location of the Vinery Café is absolutely stunning – it ’ s to be found in a gorgeous nursery called The Walled Garden , and it serves some truly lovely cakes that can be enjoyed Tuesday to Sunday each week . The menu changes weekly , so you can always find something new to try . Water Lane , Hawkhurst TN18 5DH www . thewallednursery . com
Rafferty ’ s // Sevenoaks
The Holly Bush area of Sevenoaks has traditionally been what might be termed the ‘ creative quarter ’, and Rafferty ’ s fits in perfectly . The menu is imaginative and delectable in equal measure , and since all the cakes and treats are baked in-house , you know you ’ re getting fresh and wholesome too . Ingredients are sourced locally where possible , to make things even better . 54 Holly Bush Lane , Sevenoaks TN13 3TL www . raffertysfood . co . uk
The Tudor Rose // Westerham
The Tudor Rose is the oldest tearoom in gorgeous Westerham , having been on the same spot for the last 100 years – it has aged extremely well , and serves superb tea and cake overlooking the green with its statue of Churchill . 8 The Green , Westerham TN16 1AS www . facebook . com / pg / tudrosewesterham
66