With so much sensational local food and drink on offer across Kent’s glorious landscape, we have to admit, it’s difficult to know where to start when it comes to a foodie getaway. Luckily our friends at The Camping and Caravanning Club have a few ideas, with a selection of foodie hotspots perfectly paired with a night under the stars at one of the Kent Club Sites.
Whether you fancy the fresh sea air of the Folkestone Club Site, the beautiful Canterbury Club Site, located just a short drive from the historic streets of Canterbury and Faversham, or the peace and quiet of the Oldbury Hill Club Site, not far from the bustling town of Tunbridge Wells, our round up will soon have you reaching for the tent pegs.
(c) Shepherd Neame
If you’re staying at the Canterbury Club Site, a visit to nearby Shepherd Neame Brewery is a must. As Britain’s oldest brewer a tour will take you straight into the heart of England’s brewing heritage. Tour and taste to your heart’s content but remember to bring a bottle or two back with you – relaxing outside your tent in the evening with a cold bottle of Whitstable Bay sounds like too perfect an opportunity to miss.
Sip in Canterbury
Looking for a gourmet treat to pair with your beer? Macknade Fine Foods should be your next stop. Twenty minutes down the road from the Canterbury Club Site, this 10,000 square foot food hall is THE place to go to pick up your Kent produce. From fresh bread for your barbeque breakfast, to locally produced cheese, meat and veg so you can cook up a storm in the evening, you’ll be spoilt for choice at Macknade. Better still, you can even pick up a bottle or two of wine fresh from Kent’s vineyards, so you can kick back under the stars and raise a toast to our wine producers. Tuck in
(c) David Hodgkinson
If you can bear to tear yourself away from the secluded haven of the Oldbury Hill Club Site, nearby Tunbridge Wells is a must on any foodie tour of Kent. If you’re a true wine connoisseur, Hotel du Vin is an excellent choice for a lunch stop, think fresh seasonal food paired with tasty tipples. Or why not explore local favourite, the Pantiles? This gorgeous colonnaded walkway holds a whole host of craft beer bars, independent restaurants and even ice cream and chocolate shops, so you can indulge to your heart’s content.
A night in the Pantiles
There’s no better way to get your fill of seasonal Kent produce than at one of the county’s many farmers’ markets. If you’re pitching up at the Canterbury Club Site, the Goods Shed is a local favourite for delicious fresh produce, so stock up on tempting treats for the ultimate breakfast. While the Folkestone Club Site is just a few minutes’ drive away from the Sandgate farmers’ market. Open every first and third Saturday of the month, it’s a great spot to pick up fresh cakes and treats. Oldbury Hill Club Site lies just 20 minutes away from local market town Tonbridge. Every second Sunday of the month you’ll find street food, tempting treats and even demonstrations so you can sharpen up your skills for when you get back to camp.
Farming favourites
Sea air, freshly caught fish and open-air cooking – trust us, that’s a cracking combination. From the Folkestone Club Site, Griggs of Hythe is just a 15 minute drive away, so be sure to stop by for a taste of the area’s freshest fish and seafood. Sitting right on the beach, at Griggs you’ll find lobster, Dover sole, oysters and plaice, so you’ll have your pick when it comes to the local catch. While you’re here, tuck into a delicious lunch at Griggs, or head back to the Club Site to cook your catch in sight of those spectacular views across the Folkestone shoreline.
Fresh off the hook
Don’t forget, Club members save 30% on pitch fees all year round, so you can save your pennies for those tasty treats. Join today for this and a range of other benefits, including specially tailored member services, discounts at a range of outdoor retailers and all the help and advice you could wish for.
