FH STORIES | FAVOURITE FIVE CAFES
You’ve heard of the Famous Five – well, this is our Favourite Five! Totally unscientific, based on local knowledge, and aiming for a coastal, rural AND urban vibe, welcome to our Favourite Five series.
FAVOURITE FIVE CAFES
Whether you’ve been soaking up the sun, braving the wintry winds, cycling for miles or pottering up and down one of our lovely High Streets, a good café is always a very welcome sight – whatever the time of day. Here are some of our favourites.
THE BUCKET & SPADE, DYMCHURCH
On the Dymchurch Sea Wall, just a hop up from the beach, the Bucket & Spade offers a warm welcome, with indoor seating or the option to sit on the benches on the green opposite. We really rate the coffee, as well as the home-made cakes (lemon drizzle a speciality). Sandwich fillings are all home-made, and there are vegetarian and vegan options, along with cream teas and fantastic milkshakes!
Dog owners will find their pup made very welcome – free treats and poo bags, water bowls and even doggy ice creams are on hand.
The Bucket & Spade
58A High Street, Dymchurch TN29 0TA
THE GOURMET KITCHEN, FOLKESTONE
The art deco styling, including original stained glass windows, the background jazz music, the chatty bustle – there’s a real continental vibe at The Gourmet Kitchen!
Open from 9-5 and 10-4 on Sundays, you can enjoy breakfast, brunch and lunch – a bowl of moules with a glass of wine, a sandwich with a cocktail, or just enjoy great coffee or a milkshake any time. Everything is freshly prepared and cooked to order, using local ingredients wherever possible.
There’s seating indoors, as well as pavement seating, and a south facing terrace – kids and dogs welcome!
The Gourmet Kitchen
124a Sandgate Road, Folkestone, Kent CT20 2BW
Instagram@gourmetkitchenfolkestone
GINGER’S KITCHEN, HYTHE
Sitting on a corner just a stone’s throw from Hythe High Street one way and the Royal Military Canal the other, Ginger’s Kitchen is a real find for breakfast, brunch or lunch. Great coffee, tasty toasties, and, of course, cake. Everything is homemade and freshly prepared.
We particularly rate the cheddar and chorizo toastie, but there are plenty to choose from, along with a range of salads and specials of the day.
Ginger’s Kitchen
6-8 Bank Street, Hythe, Kent CT21 5AN
BREW AT 32, LYDD
This quaint, old-fashioned style tea room really delivers – there’s always a warm welcome whether you’ve just popped in for a quick cuppa or are staying for lunch or afternoon tea (served in style, with glass cake stands and china teacups and saucers).
Regulars swear by the jacket potatoes, homemade soups and salads or ploughman’s for lunch, while the scones and Victoria sponge are declared unbeatable!
Brew at 32
32 High Street, Lydd, Kent TN29 9AJ
THE BOAT HOUSE, SANDGATE
Sitting outside the Boat House on a sunny day, gazing across the sparkling blue sea, it would be easy to forget that you are in England – and if it’s clear enough, you can see the coast of France. Even on a misty day, watching the waves is a soothing experience, especially with a coffee and cake on the side.
Right on the promenade, the outdoor tables have fresh flowers, and there are sunglasses and binoculars to borrow, and blankets for those cooler days. Dogs are very welcome – water bowls and doggie ice creams are the order of the day.
Regulars rate the excellent coffee and the bacon rolls – but there’s a vast range of toasted sandwiches, breakfasts, cakes, ice creams and hot and cold drinks to choose from.
The Boat House, Granville Parade, Sandgate, Kent CT20 3RP