insideKENT Magazine Issue 99 - June / July 2020 | Page 6

WELCOME Perhaps it's the start of the easing of lockdown measures, the opportunity to reconnect with dear friends and loved ones, the promise of even a new sense of normality, or simply the glorious weather we have been blessed with of late - whatever the reason there has definitely been an upward trajectory of hope, excitement and positivity in the air. As someone whose life seems to consist of dining out, socialising and non-essential travel (all in the name of research for you of course…), lockdown may have dampened my wanderlust spirit - but it has also offered me new opportunities… To be able to connect (even if virtually) with a host of amazing suppliers, producers, readers, and people who all feel as we do at iKHQ about our home county. To discover outstanding new local produce. To try new recipes and bake more. To attempt to become more mindful and fit*. And to plan all the places I want to visit as soon as it is safe and possible to do so... Now more than ever, I feel blessed to live in our glorious county. To have access to the rolling countryside, the breathtaking coastline and a hodgepodge of hamlets, villages and towns. Places bursting with passionate and dedicated producers and people from whom we are able to purchase amazing local produce; from fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, wine, ales and spirits, to artisan fudge, ice creams, chocolates and crafts; or who offer us incredible places to dine, stay and visit. Our home-county and the people who live and work here are incredible. It’s one of the reasons why our team launched the dedicated Kent Staycation Guide (making Staycations the ‘next big thing’ way before it was the only thing!) and also why we have made planning your own Kent Staycation our special feature for this issue. You can have a sneak peak at some of the best places to visit from p11, and while walking seems to have become our new favourite pastime, discover some incredible walking routes on p15. Talking of producers... we profile three more amazing Kentish companies from p19; have our regular Meet the Chef, this month with Rob Taylor from the award-winning Compasses Inn on p23; and have part two of Stay Home and Cook!, featuring yet more delicious dishes courtesy of our favourite chefs and restaurants on p26. This weather just cries out for us to be outside, so why not get your grill on with some taste-bud tempting BBQ recipes from p30. Perhaps you need to upgrade your BBQ this year? Weber may have the answer from p34. If your garden needs an update too, be inspired by some serious summer style ideas from p36. But in and amongst all the outdoor fun we can’t forget that this month is also the time to honour the dads in our lives. We have rounded up some of this Father’s Day’s top gift ideas from p42, including a whole host that are made right here in Kent too - with plenty of time to get them delivered by the 21st! So with the sun still blazing and the start of yet another home-school term looming I’m off to order my gifts, eat my body-weight in doorstep-delivered Solley’s Ice Cream and plan my next sociallydistanced Kent Staycation trip! SOCIALLY-DISTANCED, SUNNY DAYS BY THE SEA - GREATSTONE BEACH, NEW ROMNEY Be sure to tell us what you get up to this month and don’t forget to get your own dedicated Kent Staycation too online now at www.kentstaycation.co.uk. With hope for our new normal Editor (*this is simply due to excessive baking-related eating - and I have failed dismally!) www.insidekentmagazine.co.uk Publisher Adam Ready Editor Samantha Ready Features Editor Sara Stephen Features & Online Content Editor Lisamarie Lamb Features Writer Jess Marshall Senior Designer Dave Leo Yogore Graphic Designer Lorna Morris Graphic Designer Kareena Ross-Cumming Senior Account Manager Jerry Barrett Account Manager Nadene Weed Account Manager Anna Lockyer Administration Manager & Fashion Editor Karlene Gannon Contributors Bekka Fuszard, Elite Aesthetics, Matthew Dickason, RHS, Robert Reynolds, Rob Taylor, The Curious Eatery, The Old Bank, Vikki Eames Cover © Rob Taylor, Compasses Inn insideKENT Magazine is published by Sideways Media Ltd, Coachworks, Dover Place, Ashford, Kent TN23 1HU www.sidewaysmedia.co.uk For general enquiries, please contact [email protected] or 01233 226519 For all advertising enquiries, please contact Adam Ready on 01233 226519 or email [email protected] For all editorial enquiries, press releases or news stories, please contact [email protected] © Copyright 2020. The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher. Neither the publisher nor any other person associated with the production and publication of this magazine make any guarantees, warranties or claims as to the accuracy, currency or truthfulness of any of the contents of this magazine. No part of this magazine may be copied, reproduced or transmitted in any form without the publisher’s written consent. No responsibility is taken for unsolicited editorial, images or photographs published. While every care is taken, prices and details are subject to change and the publisher takes no responsibility for omissions or errors. Publisher is not responsible for any variation in image colour due to printing processes. 6