Read insideKENT Online!

insideKENT JULY-AUG 2010

kent’s premier luxury lifestyle magazine

SUMMER IN KENT Exciting days out in the Garden of England

GREEN TRAVEL

Eco-friendly summer holiday tips and ideas

SEXY IN THE SUN The best accessories, swimsuits and sandals

KENTISH GOURMET A celebration of Kent’s finest restaurants and culinary hot spots

law

LESSONS IN

HOW JUDE CAME TO RULE THE ROOST

++

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN STAR KEVIN McNALLY // LOCAL NEWS // RECIPE FROM CELEBRITY CHEF MICHAEL CAINES // MOLTON BROWN SPA REVIEW // BUSINESS // KENT’S BEST RESTAURANTS // THE LEXUS IS 250C // A VISIT TO CHILSTON PARK // ELEMENTAL ACTIVITIES: EARTH, AIR, WATER, FIRE // KENT EVENTS AND MUCH MORE

landscaping, driveways, patios, fencing from design to construction Chambers Wharf Landscapes has years of experience designing, building and maintaining stunning landscapes and conservations across the South of England and beyond.

We undertake projects nationwide in both the domestic and commercial sectors, for both private clients and developers. Our projects range in size from vast estate designs & builds to maintenance of beautiful natural Kentish grounds and lakes.

Our experienced design team aims to unlock the full potential of your project or landscape whatever the size, whatever the location, whilst imprinting the client’s requirements. Prior to any project, one of our design team will visit your home or premises to survey the work in question. We can also provide terrace, driveway or patio sketches, planting schemes, landscape design, irrigation and lighting design.

Our work includes: Landscaping & Design / Driveway & Patio Construction Fencing & Decking / Garden Maintenance / Horticulture Planting Schemes / Earthworks & Aggregates / Ornamental Barks Loams & Topsoils / Conservation Work / Lake & Pond Construction Woodland & Pond Management Please feel free to contact us to book an initial site visit.

WELCOME

WELCOME TO ISSUE 1OF

insideKENT – KENT’S PREMIER LUXURY LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE. The team here at Sideways Media want to welcome you to the FIRST We live in arguably the best area of England, with miles of beautiful coastline and rolling countryside, world-class shopping, fresh local food and gourmet restaurants, endless activities and exciting events.

We’re here to celebrate all that our fabulous county has to offer by featuring the best of Kent in every issue. From fashion to dining to weekend getaways (and of course we can’t forget the celebrities), insideKENT is your all-encompassing lifestyle guide to getting the most out of the Garden of England.

Our 100-page launch issue is packed full of summer pleasures, beginning with the hottest accessories, sandals and swimwear for both men and women. Also in our Style section, read all about bespoke suits (what they’re really like), along with some of the best independent fashion boutiques in Kent.

For local fun in the sun, have a look at our insideOUT section, featuring the most exciting summer days out, including Elemental Activities (entertainment with earth, air, fire and water), clay pigeon shooting in the beautiful Downs, and the 7 Wonders of the Weald.

Kent boasts some of the finest food and dining in the country (and perhaps even the world), so we’ve stuffed our first issue with the best of

Kentish cuisine, from summer eating in Whitstable to fish and chips on the seaside to gourmet dining at Eastwell Manor.

Summer is the time for well-deserved rest and relaxation. If you’re thinking about a holiday, check out our double travel feature where you’ll get an inside look into the spectacular Buddha-Bar Hotel, Prague and Louis Grand Hotel, Corfu. Make sure you read our eco-friendly travel tips to help keep your vacation green.

To top it all off, enjoy a peek into the talent that is Jude Law and an insideKENT exclusive interview with Pirates of the Caribbean star Kevin McNally.

I hope you enjoy the first issue of insideKENT, and I wish you a healthy and happy summer!

Donna Martin // Editor donna@sidewaysmedia.co.uk www.insidekentmagazine.co.uk

Don’t miss a beat. Follow insideKENT on Facebook & Twitter.

www.facebook.com/insidekent www.twitter.com/insidekent insideKENT Magazine is not affiliated with EK One Magazine or Thanet Publishing Ltd.

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ISSUE of insideKENT Magazine.

CONTENTS 46

LESSONS IN LAW

18

STUNNING GARDENS

22

FASHION INDEPENDENCE

41

THE LEXUS IS 250C

54

CELEBRATION OF KENT’S FINEST

68

THE BICKLEY

80

ESCAPE TO CHILSTON PARK

84

10 98

THE BUDDHA BAR, PRAGUE

88

TRAVEL GREENER

KENT10 TOP NEWS & Cider Festival

15

YOUR BUSINESS WK Finn Kelsey’s Ian McIntyre gives advice on Stakeholder Pensions

18

STUNNING GARDENS

20

THE MODERN PICNIC Trade in your old picnic basket for a stylish food and drink holdall

22

FASHION INDEPENDENCE A peek at some of Kent’s

24

SEXY FOR SUMMER The hottest summer accessories and shoes for men and women

28

A MAN AND HIS TAILOR What does your suit say about you?

30

SIZZLING SWIMWEAR Catch some rays and worship the sun

34

HOT WEATHER BEAUTY Top summer tips from makeup artist Gemma Morpurgo

36

MOLTON BROWN DAY SPA His and Hers treatments at Bluewater

38

FAKE BAKE Top products for sunless tanning

41

THE LEXUS IS 250C Just as fun with the top up

46

LESSONS IN LAW How Jude came to rule the roost

50

ALL ABOUT LOCAL The 4th Annual Taste the Best of Produced in Kent

52

DINING AT EASTWELL MANOR For an extra special evening

54

CELEBRATION OF KENT’S FINEST An exclusive evening with the Taste of Kent award winners

56

A FRUITFUL SUMMER

58

CELEBRITY CHEF MICHAEL CAINES RECIPE Broth of smoked haddock, leeks, pancetta and poached quail’s egg

independent fashion boutiques

98

TOP 10

60

EDWARD’S RESTAURANT

62

INCREDIBLE, EDIBLE WHITSTABLE The people and stories behind the

64

AL FRESCO WITH RICHARD PHILLIPS Open-air dining at his Kent restaurants

65

HYTHE BAY SEAFOOD RESTAURANT For the best by the sea

66

THE ART OF FISH AND CHIPS A visit to Papas Fish and Chips, Folkestone

68

THE BICKLEY

70

THE 7 WONDERS OF THE WEALD Something for all ages in the Wealden countryside

72

OUT AND ABOUT IN KENT The best days out this summer

74

TAKE AIM Clay pigeon shooting in the beautiful Downs

76

ELEMENTAL ACTIVITIES Let nature’s elements entertain you: Earth, Air, Fire and Water

78

THE HISTORIC DOCKYARDS Something something something

80

ESCAPE TO CHILSTON PARK Luxury is all about the little things

82

A WEEKEND IN THEATRELAND Short breaks in London for all tastes

84

THE BUDDHA BAR, PRAGUE An enchanting 5-star holiday

86

A GRAND HOLIDAY IN CORFU The perfect escape from modern-day life

88

TRAVEL GREENER Eco-friendly travel advice from HolidayExtras.com

90

KENT EVENTS What’s happening in your neck of the woods

96

CELEBRITY EXCLUSIVE: KEVIN McNALLY insideKENT speaks to the Pirates of the Caribbean star

98

TOP 10 The 10 best summer cocktails

of this seaside town

insideKENT www.insidekentmagazine.co.uk

Editor Donna Martin 07506 328883 donna@sidewaysmedia.co.uk Publishing Director Adam Ready 07824 882086 adam@sidewaysmedia.co.uk Design Director Dave Leo Yogore Fashion Editor Molly Neznanski Gil Motoring Editor Matthew Evans Finance Manager Charlotte Morrissey Account Manager Adel Ready Feature Writers Lizzy Cline Emma Bates Marilyn Whiston Contributors Sarah Orton, Stuart Heaver, Chloe Buchanan, Scott Bell, Ian McIntyre, Carla Wessel, Rachel Gold, Jonathan Clarke, Kate Randolph, Dianne Raine, Joe Rogers, Pennington PR, Sarah Cullen, Jonathan Dudley, Gemma Morpurgo Photographers Dan Desborough, Matthew Evans, Estella Sumangil, Marc Bates Publisher

Ingles Manor Castle Hill Avenue Folkestone Kent CT20 2RD 01303 884660 hello@sidewaysmedia.co.uk www.sidewaysmedia.co.uk

For all advertising enquiries, contact Adam Ready on 07824 882086 or adam@sidewaysmedia.co.uk

When you have finished with this magazine, please pass it on to a friend or recycle it.

© Copyright 2010. The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the publishers. 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.

Cover photo © AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster insidKENT Magazine is not affiliated with EK One Magazine or Thanet Publishing Ltd.

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NEWS

DANNY DYER AND SEAN BEAN NORFOLKLINE CHEFS FILM IN WHITE CLIFFS COUNTRY COMPETE IN COOK-OFF Filming of an eagerly anticipated action movie took place recently close to Dover. The crew and cast spent their time staying at the hottest new hotel in the area - The White Cliffs Hotel in St. Margaret's-at-Cliffe.

Members of local football team "Wallett's Court FC" were recruited to play the part of special forces operatives alongside Danny Dyer and Sean Bean in WW2 action drama Age of Heroes directed by Adrian Vitoria, The movie, planned as the first in a trilogy of war flicks, is based on the true story of the formation of Ian Fleming's 30 Commando unit, and is due to be released later this year.

Danny Dyer, Sean Bean and the film crew made the most of the warm welcome in White Cliffs Country and spent time socialising with surprised locals in The Bay Restaurant and bar at The White Cliffs Hotel.

The area is becoming a hot spot for Film and TV productions and The White Cliffs Hotel is a firm favourite for crew and cast members. Other recent visitors to The White Cliffs have included BBC's Spring Watch programme makers, the team behind popular series Coast and big hitters Robbie Williams Productions.

To get amongst the movers and shakers visit The White Cliffs Hotel, St. Margaret’s-at-Cliffe CT15 6AT or check out the website www.thewhitecliffs.com

Leading ferry operator, Norfolkline, announced in June that its English Channel team won the company’s prestigious annual Chefs Competition at Westminster Kingsway College in London.

The winning team was made up of chef Jevgenijs Lonskis and steward Manuel Cardoso from the Maersk Delft ferry, which operates from DoverDunkirk.

Every year, chefs from Norfolkline’s four sea routes – the English Channel, Irish Sea, Scottish Route (Rosythe – Zeebrugge) and the North Sea – come together to compete against each other to create the best three-course dinner menu. Each team consists of two people, including one sous or assist chef and a steward.

The teams are judged by five senior chef lecturers at the college on areas such as presentation, taste, imagination and quality of both food and service.

Brian Smith, general manager of Norfolkline’s retail and food service, said: “Our Norfolkline chefs really enjoy competing at this event every year. Our onboard teams all operate to the highest standards of customer service and this provides them with the perfect opportunity to showcase their skills both in the kitchen and in front of the customers.”

MUSIC, DANCING AND GREAT BRITISH BEER AT THE SECOND ANNUAL CAMRA REAL ALE & CIDER FESTIVAL

Visitors to the Kent & East Sussex Railway on Saturday 12 June celebrated the arrival of summer in style as they enjoyed CAMRA’S annual Real Ale & Cider Festival.

Throughout the day, Tenterden station was a hub of activity as just under a thousand visitors enjoyed the activities on offer including a fabulous line up of bands performing on a purpose built stage, which spanned the railway track!

Carnelian, Kelly Bourne, Origami Dinosaur and The Self Preservation Society were a big hit among guests, along with Morris dancers and other performers.

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The beer tent, not surprisingly, was extremely popular and visitors enjoyed a selection of over 60 Ales, 15 Ciders and Perry, supplemented by a delicious barbeque and the railway’s restaurant.

The Festival was the perfect celebration for England’s first World Cup match and guests were treated to a giant TV screening of the England vs. USA game.

The fun continued at Northiam Station, where celebrations marked 20 years since the reopening of the line to Northiam in 1990. Visitors enjoyed special performances by the Jon

Hamilton Big Band and the Cranbrook Town Band.

The Kent & East Sussex Railway is renowned for their innovative events programme and the Festival is just one of many events visitors can enjoy this year – visit www.kesr.org.uk for more information.

EK1 2

27/5/10

12:05

Page 1

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STAKEHOLDER PENSIONS BUSINESS

STAKEHOLDER PENSION SCHEMES ARE LOW-COST PENSIONS MEANT FOR PEOPLE WITHOUT EXISTING PRIVATE PENSION ARRANGEMENTS. THEY WERE ORIGINALLY TARGETED AT PEOPLE WHO EARN MORE THAN £10,000 A YEAR AND WHO CANNOT JOIN AN OCCUPATIONAL PENSION SCHEME. THEY HAVE, HOWEVER, TURNED OUT TO HAVE MUCH BROADER APPEAL. Unless employers are exempt (see below), they must arrange access to a stakeholder pension scheme (SPS) for those of their employees who earn more than the National Insurance (NI) lower earnings limit.

MAIN CONDITIONS FOR A STAKEHOLDER PENSION A stakeholder pension is a particular type of personal pension which satisfies a number of minimum government standards, principally the following: • The only charge permissible is a charge on the value of each member’s funds, which must not exceed 1.5% a year for the first 10 years, and up to 1% thereafter • Members of a SPS must be able to transfer in or out without any extra charge • Each contribution can be as little as £20 EMPLOYER EXEMPTION The conditions for exemption from providing stakeholder access are as follows: • employing fewer than five people • offering an occupational pension scheme (OPS) that all staff can join within a year of starting the employment • offering access to a personal pension scheme which meets specified conditions

EMPLOYEE EXEMPTIONS

OTHER POINTS TO REMEMBER

Stakeholder access does not have to be provided for any employee who:

Employers can give general help and information about the benefits of saving for retirement but they must not advise their employees whether or not they should sign up for a stakeholder pension. The choice of the most suitable pension option is up to the individual (after taking appropriate independent advice if necessary).

• has been in the employment for less than three consecutive months • is a member of the OPS • is barred from membership of the OPS if under 18 or within five years of the scheme’s normal pension age • could have joined the OPS but decided not to • has earned below the lower NI limit for at least three consecutive months PROVIDING ACCESS In order to meet their responsibilities, employers who are not exempt must: • choose a registered SPS from the register held by the Pensions Regulator. The register can be seen on their website at www.thepensionsregulator.gov.uk • consult and inform your employees accordingly • make available arrangements to deduct contributions from the pay of those employees who choose to pay into the SPS • send contributions to the SPS provider within given time limits and record these payments

Employers should be wary about simply ‘buying a product’. There are many related issues to be considered, and proper independent advice can avoid inadvertent breaches of the relevant rules.

For instance, where access to a SPS is to be provided, all the requisite details must be included in the conditions of employment. Payslips must clearly identify the deduction of contributions.

Ian McIntyre 01233 629255 ian.mcintyre@wilkinskennedy.com

www.insidekentmagazine.co.uk

15

FRIGENTI PLACE Sittingbourne Road, Maidstone, Kent ME14 5GJ

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SATURDAY & SUNDAY - 10am to 4pm

A collection of 2 bedroom apartments and 4 & 5 bedroom houses There are just fourteen new homes at Frigenti Place, comprising nine, two bedroom apartments, together with four, 4 and one, 5 bedroom houses. All plots enjoy allocated parking, plus the houses have integral single garages. All plots are ready for early occupation and viewing is strongly recommended.

RPC Land & New Homes

01622 691911

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Westbourne Heights CO OL I N G E L A N E , FOLKE STON E C T 2 0 3 R A

T H I RT E E N O N LY T H R E E , F O U R A N D F I V E B E D RO O M H O M E S , I D E A L LY S I T U AT E D B E T W E E N F O L K E S TO N E A N D S A N D G AT E .

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At all other times, please contact the Sales Office at Bayeuxfields on 01303 893080

www.pentlandhomes.co.uk Pictured is the showhome at Westbourne Heights

more than just a home…

HOME+GARDEN

IN THE GARDEN OF ENGLAND

'THE FLOAT GARDEN' DESIGNED BY HEATHER APPLETON

JOE SWIFT BITING THROUGH THE DAISY CHAIN

MATTHEW CHILDS SEATED IN HIS 'CENTRED GARDEN' WITH JOE SWIFT

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STUNNING SHOW GARDENS, COMMENTARY FROM A CELEBRITY TV GARDENING PERSONALITY, BEAUTIFUL SUNNY WEATHER AND OF COURSE THE ALL IMPORTANT FLOW OF CHAMPAGNE. YOU’D BE FORGIVEN FOR GUESSING THIS SOUNDS LIKE A DESCRIPTION OF A SCENE AT THE INFAMOUS CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW, BUT YOU’D BE WRONG…ALTHOUGH NOT ENTIRELY!

Friday 21st May heralded the official opening of the Jacksons Fencing show gardens at the company’s head office in Stowting; an event which has been dubbed ‘a mini Chelsea Flower Show’ in the heart of Kent. The day marked the culmination of a six-month project which began when Jacksons publicised the ‘Inspirational Show Garden Challenge’ to UK garden designers via the garden design industry’s popular Garden Design Journal publication.

And so the Jacksons show gardens competition was launched with a view to creating four dramatic show gardens that would provide visitors to Jacksons’ retail centre (Jakstore) with renewed inspiration and ideas for their own garden projects.

The response was incredible, with garden designers from all over the country expressing interest in the project, some from as far afield as Holland and Germany. The design brief was fairly exacting – gardens needed to be environmentally friendly and sustainable, offering the designers and suppliers involved in the initiative an excellent opportunity to showcase their green credentials.

By the end of Feb 2010 Jacksons had received a staggering number of entries, and the gruelling task of sifting through them all to identify the winning designs began.

MARK SMITH, KENT-BASED DESIGNER SEATED IN HIS 'HAVEN' GARDEN WITH JOE SWIFT

The four selected gardens were: Mark Smith with ‘The Haven’ garden, Heather Appleton with ‘The Float Garden’, Matthew Childs with ‘The Centred Garden’ and Philippa O’Brien with ‘Jacksons goes to the Seaside’. By sheer coincidence, although extremely fitting, one of the designers, Mark Smith, actually hails from Kent and is based in Ramsgate (in his previous role as a self-employed gardens / grounds contractor he had the responsibility of maintaining the Ramsgate Croquet Lawns to the standard commensurate with a world class croquet venue).

Next came the hard work of translating the designs on paper into real living show gardens.

It took just three weeks to inject a dash of Chelsea chic into the designated area at Jacksons, transforming a blank canvas into a show-stopping display of stunningly beautiful gardens. The gardens were built using a wide range of products from the Jacksons Fencing portfolio, with the support of other partner suppliers: Brett (specialists in supplying the right landscaping and garden design products to bring a garden or outdoor space alive); Coblands Nurseries (Kent-based trade and wholesale plant nursery); Chilstone (suppliers of architectural stone work for the garden) and best4plants (online garden centre supplying an array of quality plants, shrubs, herbaceous, grasses, ferns and trees).

gardens have quite literally helped to create a mini Chelsea Flower Show in the heart of the Garden of England. However, unlike the exhibits at Chelsea which are on show for under one week, the Jacksons show gardens will be on display for a whole year.

The official opening of the gardens was undertaken by TV celebrity gardener Joe Swift, who broke the usual ribbon-cutting tradition, preferring instead to use his teeth to bite through a dainty hand-made daisy chain. The day proved a great success, with fabulous weather adding to the sense of occasion. Each of the show gardens was visited in turn by Swift, who chatted with the designers about their original aims and the various sources of inspiration behind each of the winning designs, whilst the audience watched and learned. The relaxed atmosphere continued beyond Swift’s tour of the gardens, with guests enjoying the free-flowing bubbly and the chance to speak directly with the designers.

Commenting on the show garden project Swift said, “Each of the designers has done a superb job in creating a show garden which exudes designer flair combined with practical functionality.

The standard of design is certainly consistent with that witnessed on the garden show circuit and it will be wonderful for visitors to have the opportunity to see how these gardens will mature and flourish over the coming months.”

Louise Tomlin, Marketing Manager at Jacksons Fencing and the brains behind the whole project said, “Jacksons has been involved with show gardens at the big RHS shows for several years.

It’s good fun and exciting work witnessing the attention to detail and creativity that goes into those wonderful gardens. Thousands flock to see them, possibly only getting a few minutes in front of the most popular ones – it can all be quite stressful, busy and tiring. What is rather sad is that the gardens are all dismantled after the prescribed time at the show. Some, if the designer is lucky, will be reassembled elsewhere, but most are taken apart and bits sold off! It seems an awful shame, all that hard work for a brief glimpse of glory. Our show gardens will last for the year, so there will be ample opportunity for people to see them, which should be great for anyone who’s never had the chance to visit Chelsea or Hampton. Viewing a show garden here is a totally relaxing experience. Visitors can take their time and get all the necessary details on the product or plants involved, and they can even include the show garden experience as a part of a big day out in the gorgeous Garden of England since there are so many great places to visit in our wonderful county.”

Following the launch of the show gardens, Jacksons plans to run a series of Designer Days during the summer months which will provide members of the public with direct access to the designers involved in the gardens, offering a unique opportunity to discuss garden design projects with the professionals.

For more details visit: www.jacksons-fencing.co.uk/showgardens or for a brochure call 0800 414343, or log on to www.jacksons-fencing.co.uk

The results were amazing and have far exceeded Jacksons’ original expectations. The finished

www.insidekentmagazine.co.uk

19

HOME+GARDEN

A TISKET, A TASKET, FORGET THE PICNIC BASKET This summer, trade in your old picnic basket for one of these stylish food and drink holdalls.

Beer Bag £5.99, Drinkstuff

Blue Polka Dot Four Person Picnic Hamper £39.99, The Gifted Penguin

Picnic Bag £26, Next

Monsoon Four Person Picnic Set £34.99, Strawberry Fool Built NY Extra Relish Lunch Bag £30.50, Illustrated Living

Hurlingham Luxury Picnic Bag £39.99, Stylish Life

Wine Bottle Tote £15.99, Soulful Toaster

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Four Person Picnic Holdall £30, BHS

STYLE

FASHIONINDEPENDENCE

LOOK YOUR BEST AND SUPPORT LOCAL TRADE BY SHOPPING AT SOME OF KENT’S FINEST INDEPENDENT FASHION BOUTIQUES.

BELLE

PINK FLAMINGO

Belle is a small independent multi-brand boutique established in 2005 and situated in the heart of Greenwich in a 2-storey Georgian building in College Approach.

Customers feel immediately at home when they walk into this friendly no-pressure environment. The business is owned by Karin Tearle who prides herself in offering something different to the woman in search of her own unique identity. Karin and store manager Ruth are committed to offering something different that will set you apart from the rest of the crowd. Belle is not only about individuality, but also about personal service and listening to your needs, always bearing them in mind when they go on buying trips.

Both Karin and Ruth love what they do and every season they get excited about what elusive items of clothing they will discover for their loyal clientele. They are now working with local designer Ella Sharpe to create an exlcusive-to-Belle eclectic and feminine coat for winter, so watch this space! Sign up online to receive news and more importantly learn about special discount days.

Pink Flamingo is a small independent boutique based within Maidstone’s prime shopping location Fremlin Walk. It opened in September 2009 by owner Louise Crush, who has always worked within the fashion retail industry. The brand first launched in the small seaside town of Whitstable in Kent in March 2008.

Louise says, “The idea of the brand was that we wanted to bring something a little different to Maidstone and not just be another high street label. We aim to appeal to fashion lovers of all ages and don’t pitch ourselves at a set age band. The store itself, although small, is packed with a range of brands in clothing, bags, shoes and accessories.”

Hot brands of the moment are ‘Lipsy’ with its sexy, sassy styling which is great for a night out. If you love vintage you’ll love the ‘Darling’ collection as its vintage flavour tunics are a real winner for summer. The maxi dress remains a strong look for the season with hot colours being key. Pink Flamingo’s eclectic range of handbags include the fantastic ‘Irregular Choice’ collection, the ever-loved ‘Red or Dead’ range and some beautiful soft leather clutches by ‘Juno’.

Belle 20 College Approach Greenwich SE10 9HY Tel: 02084 655777 www.bellefashion.co.uk

Pink Flamingo 26 Fremlin Walk Shopping Centre Maidstone ME14 1QP Tel: 01622 758883 www.pinkflamingoboutique.co.uk

COLLECTION Collection is a women’s fashion boutique located in the centre of Sandwich. Whether you’re passionate about fashion or can’t bear the thought of shopping for clothes, the friendly and knowledgeable staff at Collection are here to help. ‘Personal Shopper’ is a term that big stores boast about, but Collection offers this service to everyone. The staff know their extensive stock well, and are used to finding the right outfit for your shape and taste.

Collection’s owner, Carolyn Illsley, personally chooses fashion houses that provide good quality and value from sizes ten to twenty. These are not makes that you find in large stores, but carefully sourced gems showing the latest trends as well as classics with a twist. Most of their customers have busy lives and need good quality clothes that will take them away for holiday breaks

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as well as every day casuals. Once you have that good capsule wardrobe, you can build on it year on year, and Collection has all the accessories to update your look each season.

Looking forward to autumn, there will be funky jackets from "She's Crazy" and gorgeous tweeds from "Donegal", "Peter James" and knitwear from "The Alpaca Collection".

Accessories include a large range of scarves, hats, jewellery and handbags. There is always something new coming in at Collection – pop in for a browse Monday – Saturday 9am - 5pm.

Collection 4 Delf Street Sandwich CT13 9BZ Tel: 01304 612057

DE BRADELEI WHARF • DOVER

Joules • Jackpot • Esprit • WeirdFish • Seasalt Great Plains • Alex & Co • Kaliko • Ann Harvey Dash • Eastex • Minuet Petite • Windsmoor • Planet Precis Petite • Jacques Vert • Tigi • Tog 24 • Regatta WOMENSWEAR, MENSWEAR, LEISUREWEAR, SHOES, SOFT FURNISHINGS, GLASS & CHINA, KITCHENWARE, GIFTS AND BOOKS Take a break from shopping in WAVES COFFEE SHOP and COAST COFFEE BAR. OPENING HOURS Mon - Fri 9.30-5.30 Sat 9.30-6.00 Sun & Bank Holidays 10.30-4.30 FIND US AT Cambridge Road, Dover, Kent, CT17 9BY T. 01304 226616`

www.debradelei.com

STYLE

FASHIONHEATWAVE

YOU’RE A GUY WHO HAS PLACES TO GO AND PEOPLE TO SEE. INSIDEKENT’S FASHION EDITOR MOLLY NEZNANSKI GIL CHECKS OUT THESE FINDS FOR MEN, FROM COOL SUMMER HATS AND COLORFUL KICKS, TO SLEEK WATCHES, SUN-BLOCKING SHADES AND VIVID JEWELRY.

Diamond Trilby £26, Kangol

Flava B Recycled Multi-Coloured Paper Bead Coil Bracelet £10, Juzi Recycled Jewellery

Sunglasses £5, Next

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Gola Lace Up Trainer £35, Jacamo

Serengeti Torini Espresso-Brown Leather, Polarized Driver Lenses £195, Serengeti Eyewear

Ashwood Distressed Shoulder Bag £44.99, Blokesbags

Luxury Black Coin Wallet £25, Marks & Spencer

Navy Jack Canvas £30, French Connection

Entertainer Traveller £102.50, Bourgeois Boheme

STYLEADVICE

WHAT DOES YOUR SUIT SAY ABOUT YOU?

BY RACHEL GOLD The relationship between a gentleman and his tailor has always been a secret affair, and only totally understood by those in the know. To be the owner of a bespoke suit has and will always be a reflection of a man’s success and style evolvement. It will make you feel unique, as it is unique to you. It will make you look the best you can possibly look. It will help you be a man who really knows what he wants in life. As long as you have the right tailor, a bespoke suit will always look wonderful.

So let’s get to it. Who wears bespoke suits? I took the trouble to teeter along on my Jimmy Choo boots to my favourite tailors Pogson and Davis to ask them their expert advice.

What’s the difference between Bespoke, Made-to-Measure and Ready-to-Wear?

Bespoke is specifically cut, fitted and made by an individual for the individual purely by hand. Made-to-Measure, you may also choose the fabric; however, it is made in a mechanised workshop to the customer’s measurements.

Ready-to-Wear you can buy it of the rack and is as close to your exact size as possible.

How does it feel to wear a Bespoke suit?

Craig Pogson described a scenario, “You are going on a long-haul business trip and you have in your possession a first class ticket. Sitting in the first class lounge you smile as you sip your G and T. Looking around feeling comfortable, you glide onto the plane, sink down into your seat and watch as the others pass you by on their way to the back of the plane and maybe a cramped perch! The next trip, you are the one shuttling and pushing your way down the resentful aisle, thinking ‘I wish I was in first class again’”.

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With so many tailors around, how does one know who to pick?

The natural choice would be to take a walk down Saville Row and choose one. However I would always suggest personal recommendation. Craig Pogson says, “A Tailor is like a Doctor, Dentist or any other practising professional.” The relationship you have with your tailor is one of trust, discretion and mutual respect. He continues, “It is a molecular network built on years of a solid, and reliable craftsmanship – no marketing and advertising can create that.”

Hot tip: Beware of anyone promising a 24-hour service in England, as the outcome will most likely be a dim one. The total time it takes to make a bespoke suit should be 38-40 hours minimum, allowing for the cutter and the tailor to complete their craft, and that is not allowing for all the other processes which need to be put into action. Normally one can expect from measuring and first fit to final fit and press at least 6 weeks or even a couple of months.

10 Reasons to buy True Bespoke Suits • • • • • • • • • •

You will never have to have it altered to make it fit Should you put on weight your tailor can re-fit it You are purchasing a garment unique to you only It will be the most comfortable and skin-like purchase of clothing you’ve ever made Nothing is more flattering than a man in a bespoke suit You get to pick every single detail down to the very last hand-stitched lapel It will make you look and feel wonderful, giving you confidence Others will recognise the quality and good taste you have It is a unique experience from start to finish You become part of an elite circle of gentleman who know style

Rachel Gold is a Men’s Personal Stylist with Wardrobe Junkies www.wardrobejunkies.com Research and advise: Craig Pogson & Dougie Davis from Pogson and Davis, of Mayfair

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STYLE

SWIMINSTYLE

THE SUN’S SIZZLING AND THE HEAT IS ON – HERE YOU’LL FIND A SWIM STYLE FOR EVERYONE FROM THE LOUNGER TO THE SWIMMER, TO THE MARGARITA SIPPER. COLORFUL, SPORTY, CUTE AND FLIRTY, SOPHISTICATED, VINTAGE INSPIRED, AND TROPICAL - THIS YEAR WE SAY IT’S ALL ABOUT PRINTS, ACCENTS AND HAVING FUN. IT’S SUMMER - CATCH SOME RAYS AND WORSHIP THE SUN!

Sunny Plains Triangle Bikini Top £22, French Connection

Sunny Plains Tie Bottoms £20, French Connection

Wave Print Bikini £39, Very.co.uk

Noosa Short £37.50, White Stuff

Summer Days Bikini Top and Brief £18 and £10, Ann Summers

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Fringe Bikini £32, Asos Swim

Blue Ultimate Bodyshaper Swimsuit £29.50, Marks & Spencer

Safari Floral Bikini Top £22, French Connection

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Printed Cut-out Swim Suit £32, Asos Swim

Mens Logo Boardie in Orange £44.99, Superdry

Safari Floral Swim Bottoms £20, French Connection

Bank Watershort £25, Speedo

Lucie Bikini Halter Bandeau Bikini Top £65, Bikini Bottom £65, Myla

Gold Metallic Halter £35, Oli

Floozie by Frost French Candy Stripe Moulded Top £18, Frill Pant £14, Debenhams

J by Jasper Conran Asymmetric Bow Suit £34, Debenhams

Takoli Magic Print Watershort £35, Speedo

Floozie by Frost French Spinning Top Moulded Underwire Top £18, Spinning Top Frill Pant £14, Debenhams

Beach by Melissa Odabash Sand Dune Embellished Bandeau £40, Debenhams

Mens Washbasket Short in Pacific Pier Check £44.99, Superdry

Black & White Nautical Striped Bandeau Bikini Top £16, Bikini Pant £12, BHS

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HEALTH+BEAUTY

sizzling summer beauty tips AT LAST, SUMMER 2010 HAS WELL AND TRULY LANDED! WE ALL KNOW HOW THE HOT WEATHER CAN AFFECT OUR LOOK, LEAVING US WITH STICKY SKIN, DRY LIPS, SMUDGED EYE MAKEUP AND LANKY HAIR. BEAUTY EXPERT GEMMA MORPURGO IS HERE TO CHANGE ALL THAT WITH HER FAVOURITE SUMMER BEAUTY TRICKS.

skin Your skin is the most important feature when creating a golden goddess look this summer. To help you to achieve this, I have formulated a plan that’s easy for everyone to follow.

It is important to keep your skin hydrated and protected from the sun’s harmful UV rays. My favourite product is MAC Prep and Prime Face Protect. This product has a rich and creamy formula that glides onto the skin, leaving it silky and moisturised, as well as having the added bonus of a whopping 50 SPF. To keep that sexy dewy skin look, don’t overload your skin with too much of your favourite

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foundation. Try swapping to a tinted moisturiser and always use a foundation brush when applying.

This will keep your skin looking fresh and natural.

To reduce shine in your t-zone area, apply a very light dusting of face powder. MAC Prep and Prime Translucent Powder is a product I absolutely swear by to achieve a flawless complexion; it is colourless and very light on the skin, which makes it my number one skin product and retails at just £16.50.

Now that you have your base, apply a bronzer to help you look sun-kissed and on the path to becoming a beach goddess. Apply the bronzer

where the sun would naturally touch your skin, and dust some onto your neck and chest so that your face and body match. The last thing you want is to look like you are wearing a mask.

For those of you who prefer to go ‘au natural’ in the sun, why not try mixing a little shimmer powder with your favourite body lotion or sun cream to give your body that extra sexy summery glow. This looks amazing when the sun hits it, and I am certain you will get compliments on how healthy your skin looks.

lips Summer is all about beautiful glossy lips; make sure you keep them hydrated! ‘Born Lippy’ in Pink Guava by The Body Shop starts from only £2.00 and is a perfect product to pop into your beach bag and apply whenever you need it without a mirror. It has a delicious scent and glides gently onto the lips.

All photos: © Dan Desborough

Most women look fabulous with a glistening helping of coral gloss – the perfect shade this summer to quench those cocktail-sipping lips.

eyes Your eyes are the windows to your soul, so it’s important to get this right. Before you apply any shadow, it’s important to prime your eyes to ensure you get a long lasting, un-creased and well blended finish. MAC Paintpots are perfect for this. If you have a cream eyeshadow in your makeup bag which you never get around to using, now is the time to dust it off and give it a new lease on life.

My favourite colour combination to use this season is green with a neutral coral lip. This looks fresh and bang up to date. MAC ‘Shimmermoss’ is a pearlescent aqua green shadow which glides on beautifully. It can be used very lightly as a wash of colour, or heavier for a sexy evening

look. Team this up with GOSH ‘Applejam’ effects powder and you are definitely onto a winner.

For blue or green eyes, golds, pinks and pale shimmer shades are ideal, and will help make your eyes stand out from the crowd. Barry M Dazzle Dust is a light pigmented powder ideal for dusting over the eyes this season. Try and use a darker shade in the outer corners of the eyes – this will create definition and depth.

Finally, to avoid the dreaded ‘panda eyes’ make sure you invest in a good waterproof mascara.

Remember that you will need an oil-based eye makeup remover when you wash your face at the end of the day.

hair When out in the sun, protecting your hair is just as important as your skin; prolonged exposure to the sun’s harmful UV rays can dehydrate and weaken your luscious locks. My top tip for the ultimate hair defence is to use a lightweight, nonoily spray which contains an SPF, such as Mark Hills Holiday Hair Protection Spray. Not only does it have a gorgeous summery scent, it also has built-in UV protection to help preserve the life of your hair. This is available in both a cute travel size and a larger version, prices start at around £2.00. Bargain.

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HEALTH+BEAUTY

BLISS

AT BLUEWATER

A RARE JEWEL TUCKED AWAY IN BLUEWATER SHOPPING CENTRE IN KENT, THE MOLTON BROWN DAY SPA TREATS YOU TO COMPLETE ESCAPISM. ENTER VIA A BEAUTIFUL BOARDWALK TO A SPACIOUS GROOMING PAVILION AND SIX PRIVATE SPA PODS - INCLUDING ONE ADJOINING POD FOR COUPLES. INSIDEKENT PAID A VISIT TO THE DAY SPA TO ENJOY HIS AND HERS EXPRESS TREATMENTS.

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READER OFFER Receive a goody bag worth £20

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Hand yourself over to Molton Brown’s spa therapists for a summer transformation package to enjoy 90 minutes of pampering bliss for £85

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Molton Brown’s summer transformation starts with a deliciously skin-brightening body polish and cleanse, before a hydrating manicure with your favourite colour, complete with a relaxing pedicure. You’ll feel like a new person, ready to look your best whatever the summertime occasion. Available at Molton Brown Day Spa, Bluewater Shopping Centre.

For more information or to book, call 01322 383382 or email dayspa@moltonbrown.com – quoting ‘Molton Brown InsideKENT Reader Offer’.

Terms and conditions Offer valid from 03/06/10 to the 01/09/10 and is only available at Molton Brown Day Spa in Bluewater. Limited to one 20% offer and one gift bag per transaction. You must quote ‘Molton Brown insideKENT Reader Offer’ when making your booking. Offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotion. Ask about our bookings & cancellations policy at your local day spa.

HIS

HERS

As we walked through the bustling crowds of Bluewater, I was intrigued to find out where I might find a relaxing haven amongst the shops. We found the Molton Brown Day Spa in the Village area of the upper mall, surrounded by some of the finer restaurants and a few of the rare independent stores which Bluewater has on offer.

The Molton Brown Day Spa is a secret gem hiding away in the uppermost parts of Bluewater. If led there blindfolded, I would never in a million years have guessed that I was in one of the largest (and busiest) shopping malls in Kent.

Upon entering the day spa we were greeted by the friendly staff and the beautiful aroma of Molton Brown products. As we left the reception area and were taken into the actual spa, I felt a million miles from the crowded walkways of the mall outside.

The staff showed us to the shower and changing areas and gave us our robes to change into. My consultant Lauren came over when I was ready and showed me the way to the treatment room where I would receive a Bespoke Back, Neck and Shoulder Massage. Lauren asked me how I was feeling and what pressures I would like – I opted for a relaxing pressure and some deep tissue around certain areas. Lauren pinpointed a knot just below my shoulder blade and she worked her magic to undo it with ease.

The Molton Brown products used for my treatment were Samphire Vital Body Oil & Thermal Salts Muscle Soak – both used to help revive muscular tension and recondition the skin.

I was feeling relaxed and sleepy as I lay, face down, looking at a small glass window in the floor filled with foliage and coloured lights. Once my massage was finished, I turned over for a Mer Rouge Scalp & Hair Treatment, which is designed to transform your mood and condition your hair. My stress levels hit rock bottom – a rarity for me during the workweek.

After my treatments, we were served refreshing berry sorbet and chilled water to rehydrate. Lauren went through my treatments and products used, which were are all available at reception or online, priced from £22.

I then had a relaxing shower and was seen off with a bag of samples to try out at home, before heading for a light lunch.

- Adam Ready

As soon as I walked into the spa, I was immediately whisked away into another time and place, with all the stresses and worries of work and life melting away. We were escorted through the entry to the changing area and lockers, where I slipped into my comfy robe and slippers and waited to be called for my relaxing treatments.

I received two of Molton Brown’s ‘Express Treatments’ – each just 30 minutes – perfect for lunch breaks or after-work spoil sessions. My first treatment was the Bespoke Body Polish. The Abrusca Wash & Polish removed all dead, dry skin cells and left me feeling relaxed and refreshed.

After a quick shower to remove the grainy body polish, I was treated to an all-over moisturising massage using the Ambrusca Body Tonic. My skin was completely rejuvenated and replenished, and I can say truthfully that it had never felt smoother in all my life.

My second treatment was the De-Stressing Eye Therapy – a popular choice for women who don’t regularly get their recommended 8 hours of sleep.

The eye therapy contains potent micro-collagens and marine collagens to help ease lymphatic drainage, which immediately relaxes the appearance of fine lines and reduces puffiness around the eye area.

My half-hour treatment was a glorious combination of facial massage and dedicated eye care, which left me feeling stress-free and relaxed, yet ready to take on the world.

After my treatments, I enjoyed a cool and fruity sorbet and absorbed more of the luxurious ambiance at the spa, wishing I could stay for the entire day. The experience was an exquisite workweek treat, something I would recommend to anyone for an escape from the real world, if only for a moment.

- Donna Martin

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WELLBEING

fake it,

DON’ T BAKE I T

GREEN PEOPLE SELF-TAN LOTION Tan the organic way with Green People’s natural self tan made without Parabens, Lanolin, phthalates, artificial perfumes, petrochemicals and colourants to bring you the purest self tan that nature can offer. Easy to apply, non-streaky and nongreasy, DHA natural sugars reacts with amino acids found in the outer layers of the skin to form brown pigments known as melanoidin that give the appearance of a suntan. The tanned appearance closely resembles a real tan in both colour and depth. It can be used to maintain an existing tan or to create a gorgeous natural glow. £16.99, www.greenpeople.co.uk

PEVONIA SELF-TANNING EMULSION The easiest and safest way to achieve a tropical tan is to fake it! Safer than the sun or a sun-bed, faking a tan take minutes and lasts for days. This sunless tanning delight is smooth, light in texture, nongreasy and wonderfully hydrating, bringing forth an appealing golden tan free or streaks. Quickly absorbed it renders skin refreshingly hydrated with greasy residue. £27.75, www.pevonia.co.uk

0Y! SOFT GLOW GRADUAL TAN Let the skin absorb the organic goodness of this feathery light lotion whilst you see a gentle soft tan appear with Oy! Soft Glow Gradual Tan. Apply to face and neck, topping up every day for a year round glow. Then lie back and dream of summer with the gorgeous scent of orange and mandarin. £10.99, www.greenpeople.co.uk

LAVERA SELF-TANNING LOTION This innovative spray combines 100% natural self tanning agents with sparkling particles from natural mica for a subtle light-reflecting effect.

Organic plant extracts and pure aloe vera moisturise skin leaving it looking and feeling beautifully sun-kissed come rain or shine. Suitable for vegans and BDIH certified, lavera’s original Self Tanning Lotion formula features in both the Green Beauty Bible and Beauty Bible Steals

by Jo Fairley and Sarah Stacey and has won the Best Self Tan category of the Natural Health Beauty awards 2 years running! £15.50, www.lavera.co.uk

EARTH LINE SUNLESS TANNING CREAM Avoid looking like a giant carrot by using this BDIH-certified 100% natural tanning lotion for a totally natural golden glow from top-to-toe. Suitable for all skin types, the lotion contains Vitamin E, natural plant oils & selected herbs and sugarderived natural tanning agents to build up a healthy, gradual tan. Reapply to prolong and deepen the colour. £12.99, www.naturesboutique.com

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PEVONIA FITNESS-GLOW HYDRATING SELF-TAN Containing Vitamin E and Portulacca Oleracea, Pevonia’s, non-greasy self-tanning moisturiser for the face is easily absorbed, providing a healthy glow while soothing and desensitising the skin. When used daily, it results in an attractive golden tan. £28.75, www.pevonia.co.uk

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WITH YOUR FULL NAME AND CONTACT PHONE NUMBER. *No purchase necessary to enter. Only one entry per person. Entries will be accepted

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39

MOTORING

top up bonus NOT FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 2010, THE WEATHER GODS WERE IN FICKLE MOODS WHEN WE DROVE THE LEXUS IS 250C. FORTUNATELY, THIS CONVERTIBLE IS AS ENJOYABLE WITH THE ROOF RAISED AS IT IS WITH IT LOWERED. WORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHS: MATTHEW EVANS

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MOTORING

Curse you, rain sensing wipers. Please understand that, normally, I love them – together with automatic headlamps they deliver benefits in terms of both convenience and safety – but as I headed out to shoot the Lexus IS 250C their spontaneous swish-swish was just plain irritating.

It was a sure sign that the weather window I thought I'd spotted was about to slam shut faster than the car's folding roof.

As it turned out though, things could have been worse. You see, if you absolutely have to drive your cabriolet with the roof up, then the IS 250C is definitely a car to consider, because it means

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you can enjoy all those Lexus luxuries that you might miss out on when you're too busy posing with the top down.

Some of these luxuries, like the Mark Levinson Premium Surround system, superbly finished leather upholstery, dual-zone electronic climate control and voice activated Bluetooth phone functions, can be enjoyed as you waft along in virtual silence, while others perform their tricks with the car at a standstill. Keyless go is refined to new levels with features such as curb lights under the mirrors to welcome you as you approach the car after dark, and even backseat passengers receive a treat in the form of slender front seatbacks that tilt forward electronically to provide easy access. Those seatbacks are also sculpted to provide extra legroom, and the rear

seats are positioned closer together than in the IS saloon to improve headroom.

If you're not going forwards and you're not at a standstill, you must be going backwards, right?

You might expect this to be a potentially expensive pain given the high boot-line and letterbox rear window that make the IS 250C look so appealing from a rear three-quarter angle. No problem though, as the navigation map, phonebook, Pirates of the Caribbean DVD, or whatever else was occupying the screen of the multimedia system, is replaced by the view from the reversing camera as soon as you stick the gearbox in "R".

The wing mirrors also tilt down to give a better view of the kerb, which will help avoid dinging those 18-inch alloys.

LEXUS IS 250C MODEL: SE-L ACC/PCS AND MULTIMEDIA PRICE AS TESTED: £45,115 ENGINE: 2500CC V6 PETROL POWER: 208BHP TOP SPEED: 130MPH 0-60MPH: 9.0 SEC COMBINED ECONOMY: 30.4MPG CO2 EMISSIONS: 219G/KM

Get things rolling in the right direction, and everything comes together nicely. Roof up, you're simply not conscious of driving a convertible, with no hint of the shudders and shakes that can afflict many cabriolets – even so called premium ones – and with the lid down, the car still feels impressively rigid.

Steering is nicely weighted, accurate and predictable rather than razorsharp, and while the 160kg of extra bracing required to keep the bodyshell in shape can't help but take the edge off the acceleration, none of this matters because it's not really what the Lexus – or any Lexus other than the new LFA supercar – is all about. What it is about is stylish top-down cruising, with plenty of cornering zest to keep you interested should you happen across a nice stretch of sweeping s-bends, and enough easy revving power from the 2.5 litre V6 to fire you past slower traffic if you feel so inclined. There's a paddle-shift behind the steering wheel if you want to indulge your Lewis Hamilton fantasies, but to be honest the six-speed auto box did a pretty good job without any help from me.

its volume and bass settings automatically to allow for the altered acoustics.

In fact, it's details such as this that help distinguish the IS 250C from its competition in a crowded marketplace, notably the rival offerings from BMW and Audi. Rather than compete head-to-head in the sportiness stakes, Lexus has chosen a different and silky-smooth road by creating a refined, laid-back cruiser, with the emphasis unashamedly on quality and comfort rather than tarmac-scorching performance.

LEXUS SIDCUP 152 Maidstone Road Sidcup Kent DA14 5HS T: 0845 128 6173 enquiries@lexus-sidcup.lexus.co.uk www.lexus.co.uk/sidcup

When you do spot a break in the clouds, the metal roof folds in just twenty seconds or so, and another nice touch is the way the sound system adjusts

Thanks to Squerryes Court As well as providing our backdrop, 17th century Squerryes Court, Westerham, was recently used as the main location for the BBC's production of Jane Austen's "Emma".

The house and gardens are open Wednesdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays until 29th September, and can also be hired for wedding receptions and business functions.

Telephone: 01959 562345 www.squerryes.co.uk

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43

COVERSTORY

LESSONS IN LAW HOW JUDE CAME TO RULE THE ROOST BY LIZZY CLINE

IT’S BEEN SAID THAT JUDE LAW CAN CHARM THE BIRDS FROM THE TREES WITH HIS GOOD LOOKS ALONE, BUT HIS EXTRAORDINARY TALENT AND EVER-CHANGING CHARACTER PORTRAYALS THAT A CHAMELEON WOULD BE PROUD OF ARE THE REAL SECRET TO HIS SUCCESS. As one of Britain's most talented and versatile actors, there is no virtual box to categorise him, as he is one of the most well-rounded and fresh actors of his time. Law is known for tackling challenging and often flawed characters and his gift reaches from screen to theatre. He has been adored as the hero and despised as the villain; he has portrayed characters from almost every country, century and realm with perfection and continues to reach further to craft his art by varying his screen roles. He has risen to the very top of Hollywood, headlining some of the most beloved films of the decade.

Born in Lewisham, England, Law is the younger child of two teachers and theatre owners. Law began his acting career at twelve years old attending the National Youth Music Theatre. At seventeen he dropped out

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of school to join the cast of the British soap Families. His acting career was just starting and after gaining exposure on more British television shows, Law made his way to the stage debuting in “The Fastest Clock in the Universe”, in which he played the character Foxtrot Darling. As he began touring Italy in “Pygmalion” as Freddie, Law built a well-known name in theatre performing in another four productions before taking on the lead role in The Crane, a short film shown as part of the 1992 London Film Festival.

Above: Jude Law in Elsinore, Denmark, prior to the staging of Shakespeare's "Hamlet" at Kronborg Castle © Claus Bjorn Larsen/Polfoto/Press Association Images

Many actors trace their roots to theatre, but Law is truly a product of London’s stage.

His boldness was recognised as he joined the cast of “Les Parents Terribles”, causing a sensation for his brief nude scene exiting a bathtub. He was nominated for the Olivier Award for “Outstanding Newcomer” and reprised his role on Broadway in 1995, where the play was renamed “Indiscretions”. It was for that role that Law finally received a Tony nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor. Law also received a nomination for the Ian Charleson Award as Best Young Classical Actor for his performance in “Euripedes’ Ion”, which was performed at the Royal Shakespeare Company.

Law quickly grabbed the attention of American audiences when he starred opposite Ethan Hawke and Uma Thurman in the sci-fi thriller, Gattaca. Noticed for his attractive 5’11 thin frame, this exposure sent Law on the road to stardom and won him roles opposite Stephen Fry and Vanessa Redgrave in Wilde, Jennifer Jason Leigh in eXistenZ, and Kevin Spacey and

“I ONLY WANT TO DO THE KIND OF WORK THAT I WOULD LIKE TO GO AND SEE, THAT'S GOING TO TEACH ME SOMETHING NEW, THAT INVOLVES WORKING WITH PEOPLE I CAN LEARN SOMETHING FROM AND I CAN GIVE SOMETHING TO.”

that bring him to new heights and experiences.

Although many of his works have produced mixed reviews, Law has been propelled into the spotlight with his “true to self” style. This even extends to keeping the shirts his characters wore in films as a souvenir, especially if in the role he died in that shirt. This is not surprising for a character actor of his nature who openly admits, “I model each character on me, really.”

The year 2004 proved to be a turning point for audiences in the United States. People magazine dubbed Law the sexiest man alive while he cranked out roles in six films in one year. Starring in the innovative and charming Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow, taking on a sexy remake of Alfie, playing Errol Flynn in Martin Scorsese’s The Aviator, co-starring with Julia Roberts and Natalie Portman in Closer, narrating Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events, and tackling the quirky and fun I Heart Huckabees with Naomi Watts and Dustin Hoffman, Law showed his incredible range and talent. A true shape shifter, he had finally

Jude Law steps out for the curtain call for the Broadway debut of Hamlet at the Broadhurst Theatre in New York, USA © Samuel Ettiene/ABACA USA/Empics Entertainment

John Cusack in Midnight In The Garden Of Good And Evil. Finding interesting parts, developing his acting skills, and making quality films has driven Law towards becoming an actor that Hollywood soon noticed for more than just his appealing features. Continuing his taste for challenging roles, Law also took the role of playing himself in the improvisational film Final Cut, which also starred his then-wife, actress Sadie Frost.

No one could have predicted his scenestealing role as Dickie Greenleaf in the Anthony Minghella directed suspense drama The Talented Mr. Ripley, for which he received Golden Globe and Oscar nominations for Best Supporting Actor. It was then that the media deemed Law as the “next big thing” in Hollywood. Suddenly, the unknown source of passion and tranquility that easily bursts through in his work was noticed in every role, whether comedic or dramatic.

Having worked with some of this generation’s leading actors, they all sing his praises and profess that Law’s gift is beyond reproach. He will never shy away from a challenge and welcomes the new and inventive ideas and roles

surpassed the physical restrictions that Hollywood can place on an actor’s looks. While some actors may go overboard to rebel against the grain of “leading man” to prove their acting abilities, Law has embraced it and continued to envelop himself in romantic leads. He peppers these roles with action and comedy and emotion that always keep the public and the critics guessing, but ever disappointed, garnering him Golden Globe and Oscar nominations for Best Actor.

Although Law has become one of the most sought-after actors working today, he has used his heart and passion in his charity involvements as the chair for Music for Tomorrow. Through awarding needs-based grants to musicians, fund raising concerts, and supporting efforts to build The New Orleans National Jazz Center, the foundation supports cultural traditions and musical heritage that was put in danger after the devastating destruction of Hurricane Katrina.

“The heartbeat of New Orleans is its culture and its music, and it gave that music to the world,” Law expressed.

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COVERSTORY

He also feels deeply about a large span of causes such as, Make-A-Wish, WAVE Trauma Centre and Breast Cancer Care, all of which Law displays his ever giving and caring nature. This came out recently as he helped to complete Heath Ledger’s final movie role. Law says he was humbled personally and professionally to be asked to take over Ledger’s work which was left unfinished when he died in January 2008. “When I got the call, it was a double tug,” Law has said of joining the cast of The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus. “I liked Heath very much as a man and admired him as an actor. To help finish his final piece of work was a tribute I felt compelled to make.”

Determined to finish the movie, the film’s director kept Ledger’s work intact and hired Law, Johnny Depp and Colin Farrell to round out the role of Tony, each playing a different incarnation of the character after he steps through a magical mirror.

“Though we were all there in remembrance, Heath’s heart pushed us with great lightness to the finish.”

After providing an entourage of films for the past fifteen years, there was no better time for Law to return to the birth of his craft in the masterpiece of “Hamlet.” There also could not be more apt a place to play Hamlet than at Kronborg Castle, built here the 16th century at the edge of The Sound separating Denmark from Sweden. Laurence Olivier established his Hamlet here and Law brought about new life to the role with every seat in the house sold out to a much younger crowd than would normally be expected.

The history that follows “Hamlet” and the famous names that came before was said to have whispered in the background when Law performed in the castle courtyard. When questioned on invoking the personality of the role, Law explained, “You have to be Hamlet.

Hamlet isn’t a role, he becomes you. I think that’s why each version is ultimately very different; because he kind of demands of you that you open yourself up to him. I think what I liked about him was ultimately his complexity between loving life and hating it all at the same time.”

When his fellow actors describe working with him in the theatre, they adorn him with praise. Kevin McNally, Law’s co-star in the play shared, “Jude has a modern approach to his work and in over 200 back-to-back shows in the whole 26 months he gave 150 percent every single night. It was as fresh the last performance as the first. It was extraordinary.” It came as no surprise this year when Law was nominated for yet another Tony Award for Best Performance by a Lead Actor in a Play.

Coincidentally, having previously played bit parts in the early Nineties on the British television show The Casebook of Sherlock Holmes, Law was presented the opportunity to portray the new Dr. Watson in Guy Richie’s Sherlock Holmes alongside Robert Downey, Jr. as the infamous detective. Production began at Freemasons' Hall, St. Paul's Cathedral and the Town Hall in London, then moved to Kent, specifically Chatham Dockyards. It was reported that on 28 November, a tank truck caught fire, forcing filming to stop for two hours and making quite a spectacle for Kent passersby. “The entire project was very

Jude Law and Robert Downey, Jr during filming for Guy Ritchie's Sherlock Holmes in east London © 6021/EMPICS Entertainment

enjoyable for me; it was based on respect as a duo and as individuals and professionals,” Law explained. “I only want to do the kind of work that I would like to go and see, that's going to teach me something new, that involves working with people I can learn something from and I can give something to.” This was obviously the case with Law and Downey, Jr. as their compatibility was evident on and off screen and is being looked forward to as the public awaits the sequel to the action film.

The 45th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, which runs from 2-10 July, will screen Anthony Minghella’s The Talented Mr. Ripley in Law’s honor where he will receive the Karlovy Vary lifetime achievement honor, the President’s Award, at this year’s event. Last year Law took on the job as spokesperson for Dior Homme Sport and his profile was featured in magazines, billboards and commercials all over the globe to the appreciation of his female fans. His smooth and gathered composure not only sells his sex appeal but his sense of humour cannot be ignored in his love for laughter and comedic timing. He has hosted Saturday Night Live numerous times, boosting the ratings 30 percent higher than the normal viewing audience.

Critics are always astonished and awed by his performances, mostly because no one can

ever guess what role Law will pull off next. He continues to pull ‘rabbits out of his hat’, not only acting in far-reaching roles, but also testing his own limits in his chosen profession as in his upcoming film Rage, where he’s playing a transgender supermodel, and Repo Men with Liev Schreiber and Forest Whitaker. Law’s belief is that, “My only obligation is to keep myself and other people guessing.”

Along with gracing the 2003 Vanity Fair Hollywood cover with actors Brad Pitt, Jack Nicholson, Tom Cruise, and his close friend Ewan McGregor, Law has certainly made his impression on the box office and has established himself as one of the most versatile actors of his generation.

With international recognition and his acting highly praised he has won many awards and accolades.

Though he is often the subject of tabloid gossip, he has managed to maintain his composure to become one of Hollywood’s biggest attractions.

And as for his stance on it all, he said it best: "I don`t want to do anything that I`m not passionate about."

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FOOD+DRINK

ALL ABOUT

LOCAL

insideKENT ATTENDED THE 4TH TASTE THE BEST OF PRODUCED IN KENT SPECIAL CHARITY EVENT IN AID OF KENT AIR AMBULANCE AT BIDDENDEN VINEYARDS ON SUNDAY 13TH JUNE. 50

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Producers from across Kent set up over 20 stalls and record numbers attended to sample and purchase locally produced jams, chutneys, cheeses, fruit and veg, wines, ciders and much more.

biscuits, shoppers were also treated to extra virgin Kentish cold pressed Rapeseed and Sunflower oils, Kentish honey beauty products and unique luxury meringues from the award winning Head in the Clouds.

The crowds that turned out in the glorious Sunday sunshine proved just how popular shopping for local produce has become as shoppers become more environmentally-conscious and keen to support local business. Some stallholders were doing a roaring trade, having to head back for more stocks (another bonus of being local!). Buying local produce also means buying seasonal produce, which not only means you get the best taste and nutrients from a product but also that you are helping to preserve the environment and reduce your own carbon footprint.

Hungry shoppers were spoilt for choice with game burgers, seafood, pies, pasties and ploughman’s lunches on offer. If there was room for dessert there was the popular chocolate fountain, a variety of flavoured fudge or delicious ice cream from Simply Ice Cream.

The event also showcased the variety of produce that Kent has to offer.

As well as fresh fruit and vegetables, game, and homemade pastries and

This year the event raised over £1,300 for Kent Air Ambulance. The 5th annual Taste the Best of Produced in Kent will be held at Biddenden Vineyards on 5th June 2011, but if you can’t wait until then contact Produced in Kent for details of local producers and farmers markets near you. www.producedinkent.co.uk

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FOOD+DRINK

a royal evening AT EASTWELL

BY ADAM READY

MOST KENT RESIDENTS HAVE COME ACROSS EASTWELL MANOR IN THEIR TIME. THE MANOR HOUSE, PARTS OF WHICH DATE BACK TO THE NORMAN CONQUEST, IS DEFINITELY ONE OF KENT’S TREASURES SET IN A BEAUTIFUL PART OF THE NORTH DOWNS JUST OUTSIDE OF ASHFORD NEAR THE PICTURESQUE CRICKET GREEN OF BOUGHTON ALUPH.

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As we left the main road and drove through the gates, then up the long driveway surrounded by breathtaking scenery and frolicking sheep, Eastwell Manor came into sight. I was brimming with excitement, as thoughts of dining like a member of royalty filled my mind.

My guests and I entered the manor through a heavy wooden door set in a majestic courtyard.

The smell of a wood-burning fireplace welcomed us in, and a friendly member of staff took us into the wood-cladded bar. We were seated by the window with gorgeous views of the gardens – talk about a conversation piece. Our waiter for the evening came over with restaurant menus and took our drinks order. He then reappeared with a lovely selection of canapés and nuts.

There was no pressure to order as we enjoyed our drinks whilst taking in the royal feeling Eastwell Manor gives you. The menu was full of intriguing selections cooked with fresh produce by executive chef Paul Owens and his team. We ordered from the bar area and were then taken into the Manor Restaurant. The restaurant is elegantly and classically decorated (as one would expect), and boasted views onto the sprawling grounds. We were all pleasantly surprised to see a pianist playing a range of classical and jazz piano numbers throughout the evening.

The restaurant was full of diners, which for a weeknight I was most surprised – illustrating the popularity of this fine establishment. The atmosphere was lovely with a warm social buzz

– most likely about the gourmet cuisine. First up came the warm fresh bread rolls, soon followed by the starters we had ordered whilst enjoying a drink in the bar. I chose a light and fluffy Twice Baked Golden Cross Soufflé, which came with a delightful Waldorf Salad. My guests tried the Tian of Dorset Crab with a Radish and Watercress Salad and Hand Dived Isle of Skye Scallops with a very interesting White Chocolate & Cucumber Risotto and a Palm Sugar Dressing. Both presentations were spectacular, and the flavours of the freshly prepared starters were delicious to say the least.

The mains arrived at the table covered with large silver domes, which the waiters dramatically lifted at the same time to reveal our meals – an unexpected royal touch. I decided on a traditional local dish: Trio of New Season Kentish Lamb.

Each mouthful of shoulder slices and lamb confit was an utter delight. The Fondant Potatoes and Spinach were a perfect accompaniment to my lamb dish, all served in a Redcurrant Jus. As you can tell from the starters my guests choose, I was dining with some real fish lovers who ordered the Line Caught Sea Bass with Pesto Pomme Purée and the Turbot Fillet with a Sage and Chicken Crust paired with Garlic Pomme Purée and a Chicken Jus. Our meals were divine, as demonstrated by the apparent lack of talking for most of the course.

As dusk settled in, it came time to decide which dessert we would pick from the impressive menu.

The Chefs at Eastwell Manor offer some fantastic choices, which you can only expect on a top à la carte menu.

Choosing the Vanilla Crème Brulée was an easy decision for me. Though the accompaniment of gingerbread ice cream and ginger snaps were things I wouldn’t typically select, I was glad I did, as the combination of the vanilla and ginger flavours were perfect. I would even say I enjoyed the gingerbread ice cream a little too much. The Dark Chocolate Fondant was also a hit with my table, and the Pistachio Ice Cream went down wonderfully with the warm oozing chocolate centre.

After ordering coffees, we retired to the comfortable manor sofas in front of a roaring open fire and chatted the night away. For an extra special evening, Eastwell Manor is just the venue for stunning scenery, fine dining and an overall memorable experience.

Eastwell Manor Eastwell Park Boughton Lees Ashford Kent TN25 4HR 01233 213000 reservations@eastwellmanor.co.uk www.eastwellmanor.co.uk

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FOOD+DRINK

a celebration

OF KENT’S FINEST FOOD & DRINK

A JOINT INITIATIVE ENTITLED ‘A CELEBRATION OF KENT’S FINEST FOOD & DRINK’ SAW SEVERAL OF THE COUNTY’S TASTE OF KENT AWARDS WINNERS COME TOGETHER TO CREATE A UNIQUE GOURMET MEAL FOR THE PEOPLE OF KENT ON TUESDAY 22 JUNE 2010.

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The celebratory seven-course meal hosted by The Mulberry Tree at Boughton Monchelsea (which has itself consecutively picked up ‘Kent Restaurant of the Year’ in 2008 and 2009) featured the produce, wine and drinks of the 2009 Taste of Kent Award winners, with the menu devised by The Mulberry Tree’s talented head chef Alan Irwin.

Jointly hosted by The Mulberry Tree, Biddenden Vineyards and Produced in Kent, the stunning gourmet evening sold out to the public within seven days of its announcement.

As Karen Williams, owner of The Mulberry Tree confirmed, “Within a week of launching the special evening, our 65-seat restaurant was completely booked out, with a growing waiting list of diners wanting to taste this very unique celebration of the best that our county has to offer. The reaction shows that consumers love nothing more than dining in an award-winning restaurant, enjoying food made with the finest Kentish ingredients and

The Mulberry Tree www.themulberrytreekent.co.uk

produce, accompanied by the county’s outstanding wines, beers and juices.”

The seven-course dinner featured wild rabbit for the Potted Glassenbury Estate Rabbit with Spring Peas and Carrots and lamb belly, cannon & shoulder for the delicious Trio of Alkham Valley Hogget – both from the Butcher of Brogdale. Other dishes included Ramsgate sea bass and Whitstable cock crab from Eddie Gilbert’s Fishmonger, and award-winning Chaucer’s Choice cheese from the Cheesemakers of Canterbury, served with Huffkins and Sweet Onion Tart Fine.

The free flowing drinks were provided by three more of this year’s winners including ale from Gadds’ No 3 at Ramsgate Brewery, a selection of wines from Biddenden Vineyards, and the non-alcoholic alternative on the night of Moor Organic Apple Juice.

Produced in Kent www.producedinkent.co.uk

Biddenden Vineyards www.biddendenvineyards.com

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© Chris Franklin - Walton Adams (EM)

A

FRUITFUL

in the

SUMMER

‘GARDEN OF

ENGLAND’ A brief moment for Marion Regan to bask in the Kentish sunshine with a tray of raspberries

Dedication from the fruit pickers at Hugh Lowe Farms

THE REPUTATION THAT KENT HAS FOR BEING THE ‘GARDEN OF ENGLAND’ IS UNDOUBTEDLY A NOD TO THE COUNTY’S RICH TRADITIONAL HERITAGE FOR FRUIT GROWING. DESPITE A SORRY TALE OF DECADES OF ‘GRUBBING UP’ AND THE DEMAND FOR A YEAR-ROUND SUPPLY OF TRADITIONAL KENTISH SUMMER FRUITS IN THE WINTER, RE-PLANTING SCHEMES ARE NOW COMMONPLACE AND CONSUMERS HAVE BECOME INCREASINGLY AWARE OF ‘FOOD MILES’ AND THE DISAPPOINTING FLAVOURS OF OUT-OF-SEASON IMPORTED FRUIT.

It’s a drum that Produced in Kent has been beating for the past 12 years – as it encourages consumers to look again at what Kent grows and produces best on our doorstep.

If you ask Produced in Kent’s member Marion Regan of Hugh Lowe Farms, based just outside Mereworth, she is in no doubt that Kent’s soft fruits are the best in the UK if not the world!

“We have a unique set of circumstances here in Kent,” said Marion. “We have a mild climate with south facing slopes, free draining soil that the berries love and we are really close to London so can deliver same day freshness.

Added to this there’s a new appetite for buying locally

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grown, fresh produce that doesn’t wreak havoc on our environment. Kent is not only known as the ‘Garden of England’, but is the ‘Larder of London’ too.”

The high regard for Kent’s soft fruits, and the UK soft fruit industry, means that 80-90% of soft fruits consumed within the summer season are grown in Great Britain.

Marion says the remaining 10-20% is still ‘somewhat ludicrously’ imported from California and Mexico to maintain continuity of supplies during our growing season.

Marion is a fourth generation soft fruit farmer and says Kent is blessed with a unique heritage of fruit growing. On her farm alone they benefit from generations of accumulated knowledge having grown soft fruit since 1893.

So perhaps it shouldn’t come as a huge surprise that the sole supplier of over a million strawberries to the official caterers (FMC) at the Wimbledon Championships is Hugh Lowe Farms. The freshness of the farm’s strawberries is achieved through a combination of military organisation and hard work, with a team of 40 picking sufficient strawberries for one day only (usually around two tons). The strawberries are distributed to the grounds and ready for consumption by 10.30am each day. Interestingly, strawberry consumption across Kent goes up during the tournament and this is particularly true if a British player does well.

each summer with its Driscoll Maravilla variety, which Marion describes as “a big bold mouthful of a red raspberry”.

A ‘pick-your-own’ scheme is also being planned on the farm for 2011, so local visitors can appreciate not just same-day freshness – but same-hour freshness too. Visit www.hughlowefarms.com

PERFECT PARTNERS Simply Ice Cream collection

But thankfully Hugh Lowe Farms’ strawberries are not just destined for Wimbledon, with the farm’s soft fruits a regular feature in farm shops across Mereworth, Wateringbury and Hadlow; and local supermarkets throughout Kent, where the farm is often identified on the punnet.

Honeycomb,” said Sally. “We make our honeycomb fresh without adding any preservatives. Our Vanilla ice cream, with seeds from the vanilla pod, is another popular favourite with summer fruits.”

Having run a successful catering business for two decades, Sally first started serving her indulgent homemade ice cream as a dessert at events. With increasing numbers of diners asking “Where can I buy this delicious ice cream,” the award-winning business was born.

The expanding range includes everything from Brown Bread ice cream, through Apple and Blackberry Crumble, to Stem Ginger and Marmalade. Simply Ice Cream has also been working with chocolatier Demarquette of Chelsea, who featured in Panorama’s gripping exposé of child labour in the African chocolate trade.

Demarquette have devised a special chocolate blend for Simply Ice Cream, using ethically sourced cocoa butter, with exquisite new chocolate flavours planned for the Simply range.

See www.simplyicecream.co.uk

HEAVENLY MERINGUES

Hugh Lowe Farms grows four varieties of strawberries which gives a long growing season from May to October. Marion says the Driscolls Jubilee is “the sweetest red berry we grow”; whilst the season kicks off with the Darselect, an early aromatic French variety. Camarillo is a preferred late season variety and Elsanta is the most famous and widely eaten of all, a quintessential early summer berry.

Another artisan producer and Produced in Kent member offering a perfect accompaniment with summer fruits is Head in the Clouds the luxury meringue company based in Faversham. The company has been whipping up a storm with its 40 original meringue flavours for the past 18 months, appearing on Sky TV and scooping the Country Living Best New Product Award. Using a secret recipe handed down to entrepreneur Lynn Bolton by her grandmother (who regularly baked for an English Duchess) Lynn has created a unique meringue collection that is crumbly on the outside, with a marshmallow-like, gooey interior.

Raspberries and blackberries have sometimes played second fiddle in the English psyche – but recent breakthroughs on the farm and the emergence of their ‘super food’ status has made consumption of both berries rise significantly.

The Karaka Black blackberry is “exceptionally good without a trace of tartness”, says Marion.

The farm has also been able to naturally extend the raspberry season by producing two crops

Head in the Clouds' Rose and Pistachio Alldulgent Filled with cream and raspberries

FOOD TRAILS

Produced in Kent, the mouthpiece of over 175 food and drink producers in Kent, has been helping Kent residents discover the joys of a ‘staycation’ this summer. With volcanic ash, the Euro and political instability in Europe all making a visit to our own county highly appealing, Produced in Kent is encouraging consumers to enjoy ‘food tourism’ in the county with its ‘Food Trails’.

Combining scenic walks and bike rides through many of Kent’s areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, followers of the ‘Food Trails’ will also discover the fascinating history surrounding Kent’s food heritage. With six free, full colour ‘Food Trails’ there’s a summer sizzler called ‘Cherry Ripe’ that follows the blossoming cherry orchards across Kent. trail includes a stunning circular walk around Doddington’s cherry orchards; it features the unique history of the county’s cherry industry, a summer recipe for Cherry Salsa and great local places to eat and buy Kentish cherries.

Pick up a copy from your local tourist information centre or download a free copy from www.producedinkent.co.uk

Sally Newall of Simply Ice Cream

One of the most delicious doubles partners to accompany summer soft fruits is ice cream.

Produced in Kent member, Simply Ice Cream has achieved numerous awards in three years and attracted 180 retail customers in the South of England, including Waitrose in Kent and John Lewis Food Halls in Bluewater.

Sally Newall, mother of four children, produces the range of decadent ice creams in rural Bonnington, Ashford using locally sourced cream and Kentish seasonal fruits. The ice cream is made in small batches using fine ingredients to ensure a delicious taste and seductive texture.

Head in the Clouds'Alldulgent Lavender & Wild Blackberry great with blackberries from Kent

Lynn said: “I wanted to produce a soft, crumbly meringue that literally melted in the mouth. Head in the Clouds are delicious eaten on their own or with a touch of ice cream, cream or crème fraiche, topped with Kentish soft fruits.”

Visit www.headintheclouds.uk.com

“Our newly developed Lemon Curd ice cream is fabulous with summer fruits, as is our best selling

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RECIPE

Broth of smoked haddock, leeks, pancetta and poached quail’s egg

Serves 4 1 onion, finely diced 1 medium leek, sliced 2 fillets of undyed smoked haddock, bones removed 5 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped 100 g flat leaf parsley, coarsely chopped 100 g chives, chopped 500 ml basic fish stock or water 8 quail’s eggs 6 slices smoked pancetta, cut into lardons 2 potatoes, peeled and diced Pinch of saffron 250 ml crème fraîche

1. In a large saucepan, lightly sweat the onions and garlic in extra virgin olive oil for 2-3 minutes.

5. Lightly poach the quail’s eggs in salted water for about 30 seconds only, then refresh in iced water.

2. Slightly increase the heat and add the pancetta lardons and continue to sweat for a further couple of minutes (hold back some pancetta and fry until crisp to use as a garnish).

6. To serve, add the remaining parsley. Ladle into soup bowls and garnish with the saffron potatoes, diced fried pancetta, and poached quail’s eggs. Finish with a dollop of crème fraîche mixed with chopped chives.

3. Make sure there are no bones in the smoked haddock fillets and dice. Add to the pot and top up with the fish stock or water. Add about half the flat leaf parsley. Cook for about 30 minutes, simmering gently.

4. Separately cook the diced potatoes in water seasoned with salt and a pinch of saffron.

Cook until tender.

MICHAEL CAINES is one of Britain's most acclaimed chefs. AA Chef's Chef of the Year in 2007, and awarded an MBE in 2006 for services to the hospitality industry, Michael is an Operational Partner and Director of ABode Hotels and Michael Caines, in overall charge of all food and beverage operations throughout the fast-growing group. He is also Executive Chef at Gidleigh Park, the acclaimed and prestigious country house hotel on the edge of Dartmoor at Chagford, Devon, where he has earned his reputation - as well as two Michelin stars - serving distinctive modern European cuisine utilising the finest local and regional produce and ingredients. Since February 2009, he is also Executive Chef at The Bath Priory, Bath, Gidleigh Park's sister establishment.

In 2000, he founded Michael Caines Restaurants and took over food and beverage operations at The Royal Clarence, Exeter, Britain's first hotel. A chance encounter with Andrew Brownsword led to the creation of ABode Hotels. Amongst numerous other recent accolades, Michael has cooked in 10 Downing Street for the Prime Minister, and he took part in ‘The Great British Menu' chef's competition broadcast on BBC2 television for the honour of cooking for the Queen's 80th birthday.

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An Evening with Michael Caines

FOOD+DRINK

insideKENT IS DELIGHTED TO ANNOUNCE THE NEXT 'EVENING WITH MICHAEL CAINES' AT ABODE CANTERBURY ON WEDNESDAY 25TH AUGUST 2010.

The evening begins at 7pm with a Champagne and canapés reception and the opportunity to meet Michael, who will greet each diner personally.

Michael will introduce his Head Chef Toby Lin, who together with his talented team, is charged with preparing an exciting menu of Michelin-starred foods devised by Michael himself.

This is an occasion above all of great foods, great wines, and good cheer amongst friends. Michael will entertain you in his inimitable style with stories and anecdotes, as well as introduce each course of a magnificent tasting menu. The foods are accompanied by a rare and unusual selection of

wines, carefully selected to match the cuisine and introduced by Steve Edwards, ABode’s Head of Group Service.

With Michael and Steve in attendance, this promises to be a unique, popular and very special evening.

This fantastic event is only £75.00 per person and for MC Dinning Club members and their guests only £67.50 per person. To reserve a space please call 01227 826676.

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FOOD+DRINK

INTERNATIONAL FLAIR

MARILYN WHISTON VISITS EDWARD’S RESTAURANT IN BROMLEY FOR A TRULY GOURMET EXPERIENCE. PHOTOS BY DAN DESBOROUGH I’m obsessed with food, so when I was asked to review Edward’s in Bromley, I jumped at the chance. The outer London borough of Bromley speaks for itself, and I was sure that this restaurant’s cuisine would live up to my expectations.

On approach to Edward’s I observed a smart, contemporary exterior. On entering we were kindly greeted by Remi Castecalde, Head of House. Seated towards the back of the restaurant, I appreciated the many excellent pieces of artwork adorning the walls such as illustrations by Chloe Cheese and fish paintings

by Kobina Nyarko. The bar and serving area is situated in the middle of the restaurant and the seating is cleverly segregated, allowing for a private yet airy dining experience. With the soft lighting and French jazz playing in the background, I could almost have been in ‘le Gai Paris’.

The menu boasted an excellent choice of starters and main dishes. Having that Français feeling, I opted for the Chicken Liver Parfait with Shallot and Orange Marmalade and Toasted Brioche.

I also ordered the King Prawn Tempura with Soy, Chilli and Coriander Sauce with Marinated Olives, Sundried Tomatoes and Bread. The starters came out in good time, the Parfait was smooth with a perfect texture, the Shallot and Orange Marmalade was sweet and zingy; a great combination. The King Prawn Tempura had an excellent light batter and the sauce complimented it well. I was pleasantly surprised by the brown bread which had a hint of cinnamon and a sprinkling of sunflower seeds, paired with a delicious olive oil for dipping.

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Onto the main course, it was a difficult decision between the Lobster or the Rump of Lamb with Wild Buttered Spinach and Dauphinoise Potatoes.

The Lamb won me over, and I was very satisfied with my choice when it arrived; I could see why it’s one of their most popular dishes. The lamb simply melted in my mouth and the thinly sliced potatoes were oozing with cream, cheese and general naughtiness. It tasted so good I simply didn’t care about the possible fat content of this beautifully presented plate. Other dishes sampled were Prime Aberdeen Angus 10oz Rib Steak on the bone with Béarnaise Sauce. Wow. The steak was flavourful and juicy, and the sauce was excellent. The waiter was friendly and the main was served around 25 minutes after we had finished our starters – perfect timing.

The menu also displayed a good selection of wines and cocktails, and not surprisingly, quite a few of them were French. The prices were reasonable and the set menu was a very good value, considering the quality of the food and service (just £11.95 for 2 courses or £14.95 for 3).

A trip to the ladies gave me the opportunity to check out a bit more of the décor. I was taken aback by a very large colourful stained glass tiffany-style lampshade en-route, quite unexpected and equally beautiful. Greeted by a nautical-style door, I stepped in to what felt like being in a ship’s cabin. The room had been well designed, and if it was meant to make you feel like you were in a vessel it certainly worked, with its low ceilings and dark wood panelled walls. I won’t go into too much detail about the loos;

however, it was lovely and uniquely designed – more top marks for Edward’s.

Did someone say desert menu? Once again at my table, I was presented with a great choice of puddings including Espresso Ice Cream, Sticky Toffee Pudding with Vanilla Ice Cream or a savoury choice of British & Continental Cheeses with Quince Jelly & Assorted Biscuits.

I asked to sample the Lemon Tart as I felt this was needed to break up some of the oiliness left by the beautiful lamb. Light short crust pastry, creamy filling and fresh lemon zest gave it a mouth-watering tangy flavour – not too sweet or sour. The Chocolate Brownies with Walnuts were delectable as well, as was the Chocolate Brownie Sundae from the set menu.

Feeling rather full and wishing I could dine at Edward’s every week, I simply couldn’t leave without sampling one of their Champagne Cocktails – the ‘French 75’. Now this was a glass exploding with taste! Bombay Sapphire, fresh lemon juice & gomme syrup, topped with champagne and a bright red cherry plopped into the bottom: a perfect end to an exquisite meal.

Edward's Restaurant 4-6 Market Parade East Street Bromley BR1 1QN 02084 602346 www.edwards-restaurant.co.uk

©Printerior Design

FOOD+DRINK

FISHING BOAT ARRRIVES AT WHITSTABLE HARBOUR

FISH MARKET BARROW

INCREDIBLE, EDIBLE SUMMERS

IN WHITSTABLE THE EPICENTRE FOOD AND DRINK FESTIVAL IN WHITSTABLE HARBOUR

WHITSTABLE RESIDENT STUART HEAVER GOES IN SEARCH OF THE PEOPLE AND THE STORIES BEHIND THE FLAVOURS THAT MAKE THIS FASHIONABLE SEASIDE TOWN KENT’S PREMIER FOOD DESTINATION FOR THIS SUMMER Whitstable has been a destination for food lovers since Roman times and there will be more delicious fare on offer this summer than ever before.

It was Whitstable’s famous oysters that started the Roman interest in the town’s food, and those famous shelled delicacies are still enjoyed and celebrated every July during the town’s Oyster Festival (this year from 24th to 30th July). The first weekend of this year’s festival will feature the EpiCentre; a huge celebration of food and drink, now in its third year, where over 40 local and specialist food and drink exhibitors offer their produce across Whitstable Harbour while live music, street theatre and children’s activities add to the seaside sense of fun.

The traditional seafood of Whitstable harbour is mixed with local breweries, vineyards, bakers, farms,

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orchards, game producers and jam makers in a mouth watering medley of flavour.

Next to the fishing boats in Whitstable’s working harbour, Oyster Festival Director, Mair Stratton explains why food is so important to Whitstable.

“Whitstable has always had a reputation for fish and shellfish but that has developed more recently into local sustainable foods. The high quality food has attracted more visitors from London and given Whitstable its reputation as Chelsea-on-Sea,” she explains.

ANSAR AT THE FRENCH DELI

JOJO'S

COCOA AND SPICE AT HARBOUR VILLAGE

It may look a little less polished than Chelsea but the fish market in the harbour is doing a busy trade in local sole, plaice, dab and gilthead bream.

The West family, who run West Whelks on the West Quay, have been fishing and selling local whelks and shellfish for six generations.

By the Crab & Winkle Restaurant which overlooks the small fishing fleet secured in the harbour, Mair Stratton continues confidently, “Whitstable is now Kent’s premier food destination”.

The harbour is also home to some nonfishy suppliers of local food. Lynn Bolton runs her award-winning boutique meringue business Head in the Clouds from a small fishing hut in Whitstable Harbour Village. The Village is a slightly ramshackle collection of 20 or so timber fishing huts on the South Quay forming an eccentric community of local traders, artists and food producers who trade every weekend and bank holiday.

“The location is just lovely,” says Lynn. “I have built my business from here and now supply my meringues to leading retailers all over the country.”

In addition to Lynn’s mouth-watering meringues, the Harbour Village is also home to Ansar at the French delicatessen, and Jessica and Pete who run the artisan patisserie Cocoa and Spice. Next door to Lynn is Luke at the Whitstable Juice Company offering smoothies made from seasonal fruit sourced from nearby Kentish orchards.

In Whitstable Harbour you are arguably at the centre of the Whitstable food scene and the harbour is the reason Whitstable exists. For many locals it retains an important role as part of the town’s identity and authenticity.

From the harbour, you can enjoy the best of local food in the form of a gourmet lobster feast or a more modest tub of fresh whelks and admire the view over the Swale Estuary to the Isle of Sheppey. Savour the tastes and watch the magnificent historic sailing barge GRETA arrive and depart at high water to the sound of the calling gulls.

It’s not just the harbour that offers visitors a taste of the best of local food. The town is packed with fabulous locally owned restaurants and individual food shops.

There are three butchers, three greengrocers and two excellent bakers in Whitstable High Street. As more towns in Kent

lose their local suppliers as the out-of-town supermarkets suck the life from them, Whitstable bucks the trend and new independent food stores open on a regular basis.

In all of these local food stores you will get a cheery hello, some advice and often some local gossip from the colourful characters that run them.

The Cheese Box on Harbour Street, run by Dawn Hacket, stocks over fifty types of British cheeses and offers old-fashioned advice to customers. There is usually a queue in the shop on Friday evenings when Dawn opens late for customers stocking up for the weekend.

“We only stock cheese we source direct from the cheese maker,” explains Dawn. “If I can’t meet the maker I won’t sell it.”

She offers customers a free tasting of delicious Kentish Blue – a cheese made on a small dairy farm in Staplehurst (which is just wonderful).

Further along Harbour Street you will see that Whitstable also boasts its own cupcake store. What's Up Cupcake is run by Sarah Cramphorne who bakes her own cakes, invents new flavours and even takes suggestions from customers. There are even three fish and chip shops for those that like to watch the Whitstable sunsets from the beach with a traditional fish and chip supper.

At the other end of the high street, a vibrant farmers market is run every second Saturday at St Mary’s Hall which is ideal for picking up something special for a summer picnic on the beach.

If it’s restaurants you seek, then Whitstable offers a massive choice of authentic, high quality locally owned venues.

It was Wheelers Oyster Bar that first brought Londoners down to the Kent coast for seafood, and then the Royal Native Oyster Stores Restaurant started being featured in the glossy supplements of the national press attracting the smart set from the more fashionable parts of London and beyond.

Both venues remain highly popular, and it’s not unusual to see a famous celebrity or two enjoying half a dozen oysters with a glass of something refreshing in Wheelers or the Oyster Stores.

These high standards are being matched by venues like The Sportsman in Seasalter, that has been awarded a Michelin star, and also by

JoJo's, the highly commended restaurant run

by Nikki Billington with her partner Paul and brother Joe. JoJo’s have just moved from their atmospheric but rather intimate premises to a new spacious seaside restaurant with fabulous views over the Swale Estuary, which was converted from an old convenience store. They only use free range meat and everything is sourced locally where possible. Only in Whitstable are supermarkets being converted into high quality restaurants.

“We just offer nice al fresco family easting,” explains Nikki. The informal continental atmosphere and open plan kitchen at JoJo’s is popular with a huge cross section of customers from retired pop stars to students on a tight budget.

They still offer their ‘bring your own’ bottle policy so that people can keep their dinner bill reasonable without compromising on the quality of the food.

“I have travelled all over Europe but the best fish I have ever eaten is from these waters,” says Nikki.

Back in the centre of town there are several high-quality restaurants catering for all tastes and budgets which are almost all owned and run by locals who try to use the local suppliers in and around their own town like Monkshill Farm between Whitstable and Faversham.

If your preference is tapas or continental, fish or curry, organic or al fresco Thai, or even a traditional pie, there will almost certainly be a restaurant in Whitstable for you.

Inevitably, there are a couple of chain restaurants offering the same pizzas you can get in every town in England, but the strength of the Whitstable food offering is that local people own it and retain a pride in it.

So sample some seafood, open an oyster, picnic on local breads and cheese, marvel at meringues, bite into local cherries and strawberries or just take some fish and chips to the beach and watch the sun go down.

Whether you visit for the Oyster Festival or choose a quieter weekend this summer, why not let your taste buds lead you on a delightful journey around incredible, edible Whitstable.

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HERE COMES SUMMER

AS KENT TV CHEF RICHARD PHILLIPS ANNOUNCES OPEN AIR DINING

TV chef Richard Phillips, executive chef and co owner of three of Kent’s leading fine dining venues – Thackeray’s, Hengist and Richard Phillips @ Chapel down – has heralded the start of a great British summer with al fresco dining, gourmet picnic hampers and live jazz. He will also be making personal appearances at farmers’ markets throughout the summer giving live cooking demonstrations to boost local growers.

For the season of top social events, which traditionally lasts until ‘The Glorious 12th’ [of August] – and includes the Henley Royal Regatta, Badminton, Epsom Derby, Polo, Chelsea Flower Show, Royal Windsor Horse Show, Wimbledon, Glorious Goodwood, Cowes Week, Royal Ascot, Glyndebourne Festival and The Lord’s Test – customers can order special gourmet picnic hampers containing delicacies such as cous cous salad with mint and a hint of saffron, sliced meats, smoked salmon, fresh crab and poached native lobster, organic lemon tart, exotic fruit salad with ginger syrup, award winning Chapel Down wine and Laurent Perrier champagne. A range of three hampers is available from any of Richard’s Kent restaurants at a cost of £35, £50 and £75.

“Kent has the very best produce in the country and our local food and drink really comes to the fore in summer. Our meats, fish, fruits, fine light

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wines, beers, cider and cheeses make for perfect picnics,” said the award-winning star of TV’s Daily Cooks’ Challenge, Too Many Cooks, Ready Steady Cook and Step Up to the Plate, who added, “You can really taste the summer - with quintessentially English open air dining.”

All three of Richard’s Kent restaurants offer al fresco dining. Flagship Thackeray’s is renowned for its candle-lit Japanese terrace garden, with tranquil water features and outdoor heating.

Every Sunday throughout the summer diners can enjoy live jazz and an excellent 3-course lunch for £28.50.

There is a delightful garden at Hengist, whilst the veranda at Chapel Down near Tenterden offers fine al fresco dining overlooking stunning, unspoilt Kentish countryside. There is live jazz at both Hengist and Chapel Down on Thursday evenings with a superb 3-course dinner for £25.50. Hengist has been voted by users of OpenTable’s restaurant reservations website on of the 10 “Best Food” restaurants for the month of May (www.opentable.co.uk). The list is derived from reviews submitted by OpenTable diners for more than 700 restaurants across the UK. Diners have provided nearly 100,000 reviews since the launch of the programme last year.

Richard and his head chefs will be making a number of personal appearances and cookery demonstrations at Kent farmers’ markets throughout the summer. Visitors will be able to

enjoy free tastings of fresh farm foods and learn how to prepare them to bring out the best of their flavours.

Benjamin Dent of the Kent Farmers Market Association says, “Richard’s support will be a wonderful attraction to shoppers, giving them exciting and delicious fresh ideas on making the best of Kent’s finest food.”

To find out more about the Kent Farmers Market Association, visit www.kentfarmersmarkets.org.uk

THACKERAY’S 85 London Road, Tunbridge Wells TN1 1EA T: 01892 718633 www.thackerays-restaurant.co.uk HENGIST 7-9 High Street, Aylesford ME20 7AX T: 01622 719273 www.hengistrestaurant.co.uk RICHARD PHILLIPS AT CHAPEL DOWN Tenterden Vineyard, Small Hythe, Tenterden TN30 7NG T: 01580 761616 www.richardphillips@chapeldown.co.uk

FOOD+DRINK

SEASIDE DINING

Hythe Bay Seafood Restaurant & Bar

BY DONNA MARTIN

The Hythe Bay is situated on a choice spot along Hythe Beach, with panoramic views of the sea and sprawling beach. On a sunny summer’s day, you can enjoy al fresco dining on the terrace, or soak up equally stunning surroundings from their large restaurant which has wall-to-wall windows facing the rolling waves.

The menu changes often – always making the most of local fishermen’s catches. From Pan Fried Scallops to Oven Roasted Sea Bass to Seafood Tagliatelle and of course Traditional Fish and Chips, the Hythe Bay offers an array of seafood-lovers delights. There is also a selection of non-fish dishes, including Roasted Corn-Fed Chicken Breast and Spinach and Mushroom Ravioli.

On a warm day in June, I visited the Hythe Bay Seafood Restaurant for a relaxing lunch by the sea. I tried the lightly battered Calamari for my starter, which was quite possibly the best calamari I’d ever eaten. The massive rings of tender squid, cooked to perfection, were served with homemade tartare sauce and a slice of lemon. My dining companion chose the Spicy King Prawns – a fitting name – as they were exactly as described: spicy and king-sized; but above all, flavourful and beautifully presented.

For my main I decided on the Hythe Bay Scampi and Chips, and my tablemate chose the Traditional Fish and Chips. Both were incredibly fresh - the batter on the scampi and fish was piping hot. The batter on the scampi and fish was lovely and crispy, and the chips were golden brown and chunky – just how I like them.

The menu displayed nine tempting desserts, such as Vanilla and Fresh Raspberry Panacotta, Chilled Chocolate Mousse and Homemade Bread and Butter Pudding. I was so satisfied with my meal and starter that I didn’t want to spoil it with a heavy dessert, so I chose the simple Strawberries with Cream, and my fellow diner chose the Honeycomb Crunch Ice Cream with Fruit Compote. The presentation of both was gorgeous, and they tasted equally good.

Open at 10am for drinks and coffees, and serving food between noon and 10pm every day of the week, the Hythe Bay Seafood Restaurant & Bar is perfect for romantic meals, morning meetings or family gettogethers. The Hythe Bay boasts all the ingredients for a splendid dining experience: spectacular views, a classy and relaxed atmosphere, and delectable cuisine.

Hythe Bay Seafood Restaurant Marine Parade Hythe, Kent CT21 6AW 01303 233844 enquiries@thehythebay.co.uk www.thehythebay.co.uk

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THE ART OF

& chips

WHAT BETTER WAY TO SPEND A WARM SUMMER’S DAY THAN WITH FRESH FISH AND CHIPS AT THE SEASIDE? DONNA MARTIN VISITS PAPAS IN FOLKESTONE FOR SOME OF THE BEST FISH AND CHIPS THIS SIDE OF THE THAMES. We’ve all had bad fish and chips. Soggy, lukewarm, chewy, or all of the above. It’s easy to find a chippy offering a mediocre version of this British specialty; however, finding a fish and chips spot worth visiting twice isn’t quite so simple. I’ve cut out the hard work for you and found one of the best places around for fish and chips: Papas Fish Restaurant in Folkestone.

With a large everyday menu, Papas offers everything from cod to grilled salmon to pies and even all-day breakfasts. Jacket potatoes, sausages, burgers, fried chicken, omelettes, the list goes on…but I’m getting off the point. Back to the subject at hand – we’re talkin’ about fish and chips.

Panayiotis Matheou, owner of Papas, has perfected the art of fish frying – turning out crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside fillets of cod, haddock, plaice and more hundreds of times each day. The chips are always freshly cooked and always boast the perfect proportion of hot soft centres and yummy crispy edges.

What about that classic fish and chips problem – you know, the one where you open your order and find that your fish and chips have condensed into

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one large greasy mass? Nope, this won’t happen at Papas. They’ve learned that their fish tastes so much better when it hasn’t been rolled up with the chips, so they serve their takeaway meals in boxes, not bags.

A block or so away from the Folkestone Leas, Papas is just the place to hit this summer when you fancy a seaside meal. Not in the mood to be in the sun, or perhaps it’s raining (what, rain in England)? Papas also has a large restaurant where you can enjoy your fish and chips under cover in any weather.

Papas Fish Restaurant 110 Sandgate Road Folkestone, Kent CT20 2BW Tel: 01303 24257 info@papasfishrestaurant.co.uk www.papasfishrestaurant.co.uk

FOOD+DRINK

THE BICKLEY C H I S L E H U R S T ’ S

F I R S T

T R U E

G A S T R O

P U B

by Donna Martin

MY ANTICIPATION GREW AS THE GLOW OF THE BICKLEY REACHED OUT THROUGH A RAINY SPRING EVENING IN MAY. ANTICIPATION NOT ONLY BECAUSE I WAS READY TO GET OUT OF THE RAIN TO TAME MY FRIZZY HAIR, BUT BECAUSE I HAD HEARD THE BICKLEY IN CHISLEHURST WAS A PLACE TO GO OUT OF YOUR WAY FOR.

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The distinctive Victorian building welcomed us in to a warm setting, with wide plank wood floors, a large bar area and the lovely restaurant beyond.

The Bickley is split up amongst four floors, all of which have been refurbished and redesigned to provide a vibrant and warm atmosphere.

As we entered the bar area, we were warmly greeted and shown to our table in their main dining area. The restaurant had an airy, yet comfortable feel and was full of happy diners engrossed in quiet conversation between mouthfuls of wonderful looking cuisine.

The menu made the most of traditional local produce, affording genuine freshness and quality.

Some of the many options included Beer Battered Fish and Chips, Sea Bass, Kentish Cod Cake and a variety of steaks.

I chose the Leek and Parmesan Tart for my starter, while my companions chose the Hand Peeled Prawn & Crayfish Cocktail, and Mussels with White Wine, Garlic and Herb Cream. The portions were just right and beautifully presented, and the flavours fused in sublime harmony. My Tart was light, crispy and piping hot. The other starters looked delicious and the contented smiles and lack of talking at our table suggested that every mouthful was a pleasure.

For my main I decided on the Roast Lamb Chump with Char-grilled Mediterranean Vegetables and Feta Cheese. The others went straight for the

steak – one 28 Day 7 oz Fillet, and one 42 Day 12 oz Cote De Boeuf.

To commemorate their 2nd Anniversary in June, Bickley hosted their of many regular Friday

My lamb was more than I had expected – rich, yet not overpowering and complimented by the delicious medley of Mediterranean Vegetables and fresh Feta. The dim lighting, a full-bodied red and the satisfaction of an inspired meal found me slipping slowly into my chair, almost forgetting that the dessert menu was still to come.

food for an evening of atmospheric entertainment. with beautiful glass atrium which transforms into a starlit restaurant at night, take centre stage in this grand Victorian building to introduce two great vocalists.

Being American (and as most Americans will agree), peanut butter for dessert = good. The Bickley surprised me with their offering of Peanut Butter Cheesecake, which I hastily ordered as soon as our waitress asked. It was rich, creamy and perfectly peanut-buttery; it would have made Mama proud.

Songstress Beau Keats guarantees to delight with her soulful jazz and blues melodies, in addition to her rendition of some all-time favourites from Billy Holiday through to Amy Winehouse. Male vocalist Craig Neil, who has supported the likes of the Osmonds on tour, prepares to enchant you with his sultry sounds, covering tracks from Neil Diamond through to raising the roof with Robbie Williams.

My fellow diners enjoyed Hot Chocolate Fondant with Orange Choc Chip Ice Cream, and Mixed Berry Sorbet – all fabulous.

Menus are vast and guarantee to cater to every individual palate from succulent 35oz Longhorn

In addition to regular dining, The Bickley is a superb location for bespoke events including wedding ceremonies and receptions. With their in-house events team who are on hand to coordinate every detail, anything is possible.

From small dinner parties to corporate events, family celebrations to weddings, The Bickley can cater for all sizes and styles in any of their wonderful facilities, including the Formal Dining Room, Custom-built Marquee, Canopied Roof Terrace Restaurant, Salon Privé, Walled Garden, Orangery or Public Bar.

tagliatelle. To guarantee one of the best seats in the house, advanced bookings are advised.

Chislehurst Road Chislehurst BR7 5NP 02084 687613 www.thebickley.co.uk

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7

the

seven wonders of the weald

THE SUCCESSFUL TOURISM PARTNERSHIP, THE SEVEN WONDERS OF THE WEALD, OFFERS SOMETHING FOR ALL AGES AND ENCOURAGES NEW VISITORS INTO THE AREA, OFFERING THEM A SELECTION OF VARIED AND ENTERTAINING DAYS OUT AT THE MAIN ATTRACTIONS PLUS A CHOICE OF CAREFULLY VETTED ACCOMMODATION AND HOSPITALITY PROVIDERS. If history and ancient buildings are of interest there is medieval Bodiam Castle – one of the most famous and evocative castles in Britain with its brooding walls rising dramatically above the moat. Much of the exterior is complete and the ramparts dominate the surrounding countryside.

There is also an excellent café which uses local produce.

The Kent & East Sussex Railway is one of England’s finest examples of a rural light railway.

The vintage steam and diesel trains gently wind their way along the 10 1/2 mile line through beautiful Wealden countryside and the Rother Valley. The railway has stations at Tenterden, Northiam and Bodiam and visitors can hop off at each destination and enjoy the many interesting sights, such as the play park and antique shops of Tenterden or the historic Bodiam Castle which is a ten minute walk from Bodiam station.

Chiddingstone Castle is home to a fascinating collection of antiques and artefacts sourced from Japan and Egypt, Buddhism, and the Jacobean and Stuart periods. Visitors can explore the castle and 35 acres of grounds, comprising a lake, rose garden, award winning orangery and surrounding woodland.

The Hop Farm ‘World of Activities’ is one of Kent’s favourite family attractions with over 30 rides, including a restored Victorian carousel, a museum, maze and the new Treejumpers Extreme Zone which provides adventurous activities for all the family including zip wires, archery, climbing

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walls and bushcraft. Many of the features are indoors so children can have a great time regardless of the weather.

For those who love gardens, and enjoy the peace and tranquillity they bring, there is Merriments Garden, which covers four acres comprising extensive, stunning, colour themed, herbaceous borders linked by paths and grassy areas. The unique combinations of themed areas offer a surprise around every corner. Nature lovers can visit the wild area where they can observe a variety of birds from the sanctuary of the bird hide. Visitors inspired by the gardens can purchase many of the plants from Merriments nursery. The shop and wild bird centre provide everything a garden lover needs.

Marle Place Gardens and Gallery is a wonderful quirky garden with beautifully restored Victorian and Edwardian features. The gardens are a haven for horticulturists, wildlife enthusiasts and art lovers. The formal gardens, encircled by natural woodland, comprise an array of unusual plants, flowers and trees. There are also Victorian glasshouses with beautiful orchids to admire and pretty water features and sculptures throughout the gardens. There is an art gallery featuring local and contemporary artists. There is also a barn where you can get self service refreshments.

For active families Bedgebury National Pinetum & Forest has brilliant, and sometimes challenging, cycle trails through the forest, Go Ape, and a huge play area covering a square

kilometre in addition to the stunningly beautiful Pinetum that houses the National Conifer Collection.

All the attractions are set in beautiful Wealden countryside and because they are so close to each other you can avoid the frustration of long journeys and traffic queues.

The new Seven Wonders of the Weald pass is amazing value at only £35 and entitles visitors to all the following:

1. Bedgebury – Five free family visits (in one car) 2. Bodiam Castle – up to three children free with each paying adult 3. Chiddingstone Castle – One free child entry with each paying adult 4. The Hop farm ‘World of Activities’ – One free child with every full paying adult 5. Kent & East Sussex Railway – Up to three children free with each paying adult 6. Marle Place Gardens and Gallery – Two free family visits (up to 2 adults and 3 children) 7. Merriments Gardens – Two free family visits (up to 2 adults and 3 children) For more information please visit www.sevenwonders.org.uk

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out and about in

kent

KENT IS STEEPED IN HISTORY AND HERITAGE AND IS ALSO RIGHTLY RENOWNED THROUGHOUT THE WORLD AS THE GARDEN OF ENGLAND. KENT BENEFITS FROM AN EXTENSIVE COASTLINE, BEAUTIFUL COUNTRYSIDE AND MANY HERITAGE SITES SUCH AS HISTORIC CASTLES. HERE'S JUST A TASTER OF WHAT YOU CAN EXPERIENCE IN KENT; NOT JUST DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS, BUT ALL YEAR LONG.

CANTERBURY HISTORIC RIVER TOURS As one of the main attractions in one of England's principal tourist cities, a river tour provides both visitors and locals with a unique vantage point of some of Canterbury's most stunning and important architecture.

Flowing through the heart of historic Canterbury, The River Stour is the perfect way to escape the hustle and bustle of one of the country's busiest city centres, allowing you to discover parts of the city that are only accessible by this tour. www.canterburyrivertours.co.uk

THE POWELL-COTTON MUSEUM AT QUEX PARK

SECRET GARDENS OF SANDWICH

The Powell-Cotton Museum is a world-class private museum set in a beautiful regency estate in the Kent countryside dating back to 1896.

Collections include stunning objects and animals from expeditions to Africa and Asia by Major Percy Horace Gordon Powell-Cotton. This summer, Quex Park is also the setting for music concerts from popular bands including Madness and JLS.

The Secret Gardens of Sandwich lie in the heart of the town. Encircled by the old, stone city walls, the gardens are an oasis of serenity waiting to be explored. The Grade I listed manor house was designed by the famous English architect Sir Edwin Lutyens who also devised the three and a half acres of ornamental gardens. www.the-secretgardens.co.uk

www.quexpark.co.uk

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KENT AND EAST SUSSEX RAILWAY The Kent and East Sussex Railway is the country's finest example of a rural light railway. The line gently winds its way from Tenterden – ‘The Jewel of The Weald’ for ten and a half miles, through the unspoilt countryside of the Rother Valley, to terminate in the shadow of the magnificent National Trust castle at Bodiam.

Whether you are interested in heritage, shopping, nature, food and drink, or recreation, there is always something to enjoy when visiting the Kent and East Sussex Railway. www.kesr.org.uk

GO APE Older children and adventurous adults with a head for heights can test their agility and nerve on the Go Ape! experience. Climb the tree-tops, slide across high wires, crawl through tunnels, cross rope bridges and zip wire back to the ground at amazing speed. Go Ape courses can be found at Bedgebury and Leeds Castle, and are perfect for keeping all ages entertained this summer. www.goape.co.uk

BUCKMORE PARK

Buckmore Park is a Motor Sports Association licensed, 1200m international outdoor kart circuit catering for sports, corporate to hire-kart drivers aged 4 to 84 years at all levels of experience. Nestling within picturesque Kentish woodland, this superb karting venue is located just off junction 3 of the London to Dover M2. It is the kart circuit where current British F1 drivers, Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button, first learnt their craft.

GOODNESTONE PARK

Visitors to Goodnestone are always surprised to discover such a haven of beautiful tranquility hidden away in South East Kent. The gardens have many centuries of history behind them and have been created by generations of the Fitzwalter family who have lived there since building the house in 1704. The gardens have been brought to their present level of acclaimed quality during the last forty years and provide a wonderful setting for many special events. www.goodnestoneparkgardens.co.uk

www.buckmore.co.uk For more information and even more Kent summer activities, visit www.visitkent.co.uk

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take aim

ONLY 15 MINUTES AWAY FROM CANTERBURY AND AN HOUR FROM LONDON, YOU CAN ENJOY A FUN-FILLED DAY CLAY PIGEON SHOOTING SET IN THE BEAUTIFUL DOWNS. WALES BANK FIELD IS HOME TO TOP SHOT SHOOTING, WITH EXPERIENCES SUITED TO BOTH NOVICES AND SEASONED SHOOTING ENTHUSIASTS.

You will receive expert training on how to use the guns and ammunition effectively and safely, providing you with the most thrilling, and safe, experience possible.

Top Shot Shooting is run by Paul Gaskain and Tim Streatfield - both experienced shooters and competent instructors. The cages are set up to suit various levels of ability and challenge shooters from beginners to those with years of experience.

Looking to book a unique group event? Top Shot Shooting caters for private groups, team building and corporate events for those all-important clients.

Stag or Hen parties and smaller family groups are also welcome as packages

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are tailor-made to suit your budget. For an extra touch, a trophy and Top Shot Shooting t-shirt is awarded to group winners, and a wooden spoon is presented to the loser which adds to the competitive atmosphere. You can be sure and remain fully charged as tea, coffee and soft drinks are available throughout the shoot.

Access is also made easy by the complementary pick up service from Chilham or Selling Railway Stations. To find out more contact 01227 750721 or visit www.topshotshooting.net

elemental elemental activities activities Mother earth has gentle curves in the Wealden landscape. Hidden in the ancient woodlands are sandstone escarpments; the most extensive is Harrison’s Rocks near Tunbridge Wells, where mother of two Sarah Cullen bases her 'nuts4climbing.com' courses.

“Rock climbing has always been my passion. Being able to share my enjoyment with others is a lifestyle choice I have always wanted,” says Sarah. “I enjoy the positive feedback from my work, seeing people who have started out on one of my courses enjoying their free time climbing at Harrison’s. Part of the fun is starting clients off, developing confidence at their own pace, and watching them set themselves more difficult challenges by putting together increasingly complex sequences of moves”.

With introductory Taster Sessions, Two-Day and Six-Day Courses, an over 55’s Social Group, Family Courses, and Private Tuition on offer, anyone can get the climbing bug. All equipment necessary is supplied, but many aspirants soon invest in their own equipment as the obsession takes hold.

Rock climbing as a pastime has gained mass appeal over recent years. With style and technique having more to say than brawn, it offers whole body toning and provides great stress release. Sarah’s courses aim to get clients to the point of being competent to climb independently on the many hidden Kent outcrops.

For more information, visit www.nuts4climbing.com

The fascination with flight has been a human obsession for centuries. To hover quietly above the earth, virtually unprotected from the elements, is something you can only experience in a hot air balloon.

Not only is floating in a hot air balloon a thrilling experience, it’s also the best chance you’ll get to view the beautiful Kent countryside from a bird’s perspective. Merlin Balloons based in Ashford offer five convenient launch sites in Kent: Hamstreet, Appledore, Headcorn, Ashford and Aldington.

What can you expect during a hot air balloon experience? Your pilot will give you a safety briefing, after which the balloon is filled with cold air.

Once full, the pilot will turn on the propane burners to warm the air inside, helping it float to its upright position. Passengers are then invited inside the basket for the flight of their lives.

Your balloon can reach heights of up to 5,500 feet, and your flight will last about 45 minutes to an hour. After landing, enjoy a champagne toast and receive a commemorative flight certificate to remember your once-in-a-lifetime experience.

To book your flight, visit www.merlin-balloons.co.uk

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this summer, let nature’s elements entertain you: earth, air, fire and water Fire walking has always been perceived as a mystical or magical event. In the past the average firewalker was a magician or holy person. However, modern day fire walking has evolved; the act of walking over hot coals is open to anyone.

People now walk on fire for many different reasons including motivation, thrill seeking, spiritual experiences, team building, fundraising or just one of those things to do before you die.

Some question whether fire walking is a trick. The answer is simple: no. The fire is very real. The embers will be glowing red-hot. The temperature will often be in excess of 1200 degrees Fahrenheit. You will have bare feet, and they will not have been treated in any way.

One of the UK’s leading companies for fire walking is UK Firewalk.

The company was founded by Scott Bell who holds two Guinness World Records for the greatest distance walked on fire (250 & 328 feet). They host events all around the world and also offer the chance to walk on broken glass.

The most common way to get the chance to walk on fire is to join a charity event which happen all around the UK. You can also organise your own event for a group of people like schools, sports clubs or your work place. UK Firewalk is happy to advise and help with the setting up of an event.

As they say on TV “Don’t try this at home!” only ever attend an event with a qualified and experienced firewalk instructor.

Visit www.ukfirewalk.com for more information.

Do you love extreme sports? A visit to Action Watersports this summer could give you just the adrenalin fix you crave. Who would have thought that sports that are normally associated with faraway, exotic places can be experienced on a freshwater lake in Kent?

First, try your hand at wakeboarding. It’s all about big air, big tricks and big baggy shorts.

This has grown to be a lifestyle sport all on its own and is often compared to skateboarding or

snowboarding on water. You can also learn to water ski – a skill that will stay with you forever, giving you hours (and years) of fun. If you want a more powerful adventure, try jet skiing – you’ll remember the thrill of powering across the water for the rest of your life.

You can also test your balance on the hilarious Fun Rides; whether it’s the Dolphin with your mates or the Ringo, see if you can stay on for the whole session.

All ages and experience levels are welcome – full instruction is given & all equipment is supplied. Already consider yourself an expert?

Come and enjoy the sheltered water, slalom course, kickers and sliders. Using the latest equipment and tournament boats you’re sure to have a fantastic experience.

Further details can be found at www.actionwatersports.co.uk, or ring 01797 321885

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THE GREATEST ‘LAUNCH’ AT CHATHAM SINCE HMS VICTORY

FANTASTIC NEW MUSEUM ATTRACTION FOR THE SOUTH EAST OPENING ON 24 JULY Saturday 24 July marks the ‘launch’ of No.1 Smithery, a £13m new museum experience and cultural venue at The Historic Dockyard Chatham – a significant day for The Historic Dockyard and its museum partners - the National Maritime Museum and the Imperial War Museum.

Opening to the public on 24 July, No. 1 Smithery: National Treasures Inspiring Culture reveals, for the first time under one roof, a collection of our nation's world-class maritime treasures, art and objects and combines museum galleries with visual art and related programmes of interactive family and education activities.

The modern galleries and historic architecture combine within the impressive setting of this restored naval building to link one of the UK's premier regional heritage destinations with national museums, exhibitions and artists.

Bill Ferris, Chief Executive of Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust, said, “It’s an extraordinary use of an ancient monument made possible by creative architecture - and the juxtaposition of using a large industrial building to house delicate and beautiful artefacts is inspired. It is such an unusual mix of the old and the new. You can really see the contrast between the original, industrial, dirty and noisy building, with the new and very modern galleries and the beauty of the national collections.

Saving the No. 1 Smithery building and turning it into a fantastic new museum experience for our visitors has been a huge achievement for the Trust and its partners. Its transformation from decaying Scheduled Ancient Monument, once used to support the building and repair of the Royal Navy’s fleet, into a national centre for maritime collections and a state-ofthe-art cultural venue is at the heart of Medway’s and the Thames Gateway’s cultural regeneration strategy.”

No.1 Smithery has five main areas within it and is included in the normal admission price to The Historic Dockyard.

1 – National Museums Maritime Treasures - brilliant new galleries displaying world-class maritime models, art and other objects from the collections of the National Maritime Museum and the Imperial War Museum, as well from The Historic Dockyard’s own collection.

National Museums Maritime Treasures features the cream of the national museums’ maritime collections. The gallery is home to some remarkable exhibits selected from more than 4,000 items from the national collections now stored at Chatham. They reveal fascinating stories based on the people who made the models – such as prisoners of war or lighthouse keepers – as well as shipwrecks and heroic actions at sea.

2 – The Gallery - within No.1 Smithery is a contemporary exhibition space of the highest standard, designed to attract, for the first time to Chatham, national and international touring exhibitions. There will be an exciting and regularly changing exhibition programme within The Gallery.

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The programme starts with the exhibition ‘Resonance and Renewal’, an impressive collection of Sir Stanley Spencer paintings called Shipbuilding on the Clyde – an evocative series of paintings on loan from, and recently restored by, the Imperial War Museum. This the first public display of these extraordinary paintings since the intensive restoration programme.

Their exhibition within a building so similar to that depicted in the paintings has such resonance and is an emotional highlight. The exhibition, curated by Kent artist Stephen Turner, also has associated family activities and trails so visitors can see the world through Spencer’s eyes and create their own masterpieces.

Resonance and Renewal – Shipbuilding on the Clyde runs from 24 July – 12 December 2010 and is a rare opportunity to view all eight paintings together, as they were intended to be seen.

3 – The Courtyard - this large area will be used for family activities and performance art, beginning with ‘Pirate Play Days’, a pirate-themed extravaganza throughout the summer holidays. During October half term, families can take part in themed ‘Myths and Monsters’ activities.

4 – The Pipebending Floor – an authentic area which will be used for interactive family activities to show visitors how this room was originally used.

5 – National Museum Collections & Research – state-of-the-art, environmentally controlled storage space for over 4,000 models and artefacts together with superb facilities for research.

As well as the new No.1 Smithery at The Historic Dockyard Chatham you can explore exciting maritime galleries and attractions, discover 80 acres of stunning Georgian and Victorian architecture and meet friendly, knowledgeable, costumed guides who bring 400 years of history to life.

Families will love the fun activities during school holidays and the indoor and outdoor play areas.

Visit www.thedockyard.co.uk or telephone 01634 823807 for details of opening and closing times, special events and admission prices.

GETAWAYS

A WEEKEND IN

theatreland

BY JONATHAN DUDLEY

IT'S A GREAT TIME TO VISIT LONDON; THE SUN IS (ALMOST) SHINING AND THE WEST END IS FULL OF INCREDIBLE SHOWS RANGING FROM SINGALONG MUSICALS TO MOVING DRAMAS. WITH SUCH A RICH VARIETY OF ENTERTAINMENT ON OFFER, A VISIT TO LONDON'S GLITTERING THEATRELAND NEVER DISAPPOINTS, BUT SOMETIMES ONE DAY IN THE CAPITAL ISN'T ENOUGH. Turning a day trip into a short break is easier and cheaper than you might think and it gives you the time to really experience the city. Staying in the capital overnight means you don't have to rush for the last train home or battle through London traffic and pay the congestion charge; you can stroll from the theatre to your hotel, run yourself a bath, and relax with a glass of something bubbly.

Kent-based city breaks website Show and Stay offer packages suitable for all budgets and tastes. Here’s a small selection of what they have to offer.

for romance

Sweep the one you love off their feet with an unforgettable romantic getaway in London complete with theatre tickets, a pre-theatre meal, and a night at one of London’s most luxurious hotels.

The 5-star Andaz Liverpool Street is the ideal hotel for a romantic break.

With exceptional facilities including a health club, valet parking, five restaurants, three bars, and an on-site diamond boutique, the Andaz is ideal for those who appreciate the finer things in life.

Don’t get too comfortable in your room though, because a pre-theatre dinner reservation at Pied a Terre awaits. The restaurant serves gourmet dishes painstakingly planned and prepared by Michelin-starred chefs who use only the highest quality seasonal ingredients.

During dinner, prepare yourselves for your night at the theatre and Andrew Lloyd Webber's latest triumph, Love Never Dies. The sequel to Phantom of the Opera is a mysterious love story set to haunting music and boasts some of the most stunning visuals in modern theatre.

After a wonderfully romantic evening, make your way back to your hotel, order yourself a treat from room service and start planning tomorrow; there’s still another day in London to enjoy. How about a visit to a gallery, or some shopping on Bond Street? The choice is yours.

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for the girls

for families

Get away from it all with the girls and treat yourself to a luxurious break including tickets to Legally Blonde and an overnight stay at a 5-star hotel with on-site spa.

Treat the kids to something a little bit different with a fun-packed, hasslefree trip to London. By including rail travel in your Show and Stay package (at a discount of up to 40%) you'll avoid the traffic, stress, and congestion charge of city driving.

The 4-star Holiday Inn Kensington Forum is a friendly hotel with convenient facilities which make it a good choice for families visiting London. After check-in, be sure to visit one of the hotel's three on-site restaurants for lunch – there’s plenty on offer so even if the kids are fussy, there will be something for them.

After lunch why not visit London Zoo? There’s enough there to keep everyone interested, including hundreds of exotic and endangered animals and an all-new Rainforest Life bio-dome. Plus, it ties in nicely with the theatre show lined up for later that evening.

With incredible puppets, familiar songs and characters and an exceptional cast, The Lion King is a great for youngsters and parents and is a great introduction to the world of theatre.

A weekend away in London makes a wonderful treat and the on-site spa facilities at the Grange City Hotel make it a great choice for you and the girls. Once you arrive at the hotel, dump your bags and head straight for the health and fitness centre to take advantage of the beauty therapies available.

Once you’ve relaxed, head into the city for some retail therapy. The big department stores always have a bargain or two and London's many boutiques offer an incredible range of fashions. We recommend visiting the Vivienne Westwood store on Conduit Street or Matches on Ledbury Road to find something extra-special to wear to the theatre.

After a busy afternoon of shopping, make your way back to your hotel for dinner at one of the three on-site restaurants. For something light but still delicious, visit Koto II, the Grange City Hotel's Japanese restaurant.

After dinner, travel to the Savoy Theatre where feelgood favourite Legally Blonde has been delighting audiences since it opened late last year. The tongue-in-cheek stage adaptation stars Sheridan Smith and Richard Fleeshman and perfectly captures the spirit of the movie.

Once the show is over, enjoy drinks at your hotel's luxurious Isis Bar and plan your next day in London. Show and Stay offer tickets to a range of London attractions including afternoon tea at Fortnum and Mason, London Zoo, or even the London Eye.

After a decent sleep, and one of the Kensington Forum’s top-notch breakfasts, squeeze in an attraction before catching the train home. The jaw-dropping Ripley's Believe It Or Not Museum is in Piccadilly Circus, and is a celebration of the creepy, the weird, and the downright odd. For something a little more gentle, give Madame Tussauds a go.

for the foodies Show and Stay don’t just do theatre breaks; they have a range of sightseeing, shopping and food & drink breaks too.

One of the most interesting on offer is perfect for foodies, as it provides a sushi-making course, a meal and overnight stay at a 4-star hotel and afternoon tea at Fortnum and Mason.

While in London, it’s a good idea to try and fit in a visit to Borough Market.

Heaven for food-lovers, Borough Market is home to some of the best grub in London: fresh-baked bread, traditionally made cheeses, fish only hours out of the sea, almost every meat imaginable, and a host of fresh seasonal fruit and veg can be easily found at this incredible market. Just be sure to only buy what you can cram into your hotel room's mini-bar.

Surprising your loved one, escaping with the girls, treating the family or indulging yourself need not break the bank. With a Show and Stay short break you can enjoy the getaway you deserve at a price you can afford.

Show and Stay are the country’s leading theatre break website.

To book, or for more information, call 0800 0832 841 or go to www.show-and-stay.co.uk

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TRAVEL

5-STAR LUXURY F O R

T H E

5

S E N S E S

INSIDEKENT FEATURE WRITER EMMA BATES VISITS THE BUDDHA-BAR HOTEL, PRAGUE Walking down cobbled Jakubská Street in the centre of Prague old town, you’d be forgiven for passing the world’s first Buddha-Bar Hotel without ever realising the extraordinary combination of positive energy and sophisticated calm that lay beyond its modest entrance. Enter through the doors and find colour, warmth and individual service beyond expectation.

The 5-star boutique hotel including the now legendary Buddha-Bar Restaurant & Bar and a new concept to the Buddha-Bar brand, the Siddharta Café, first opened its doors in January 2009 after major renovation to its six-floor historical building. Since then it has catered to its guests in true Buddha-Bar style, with enchanting atmospheres, inspired culinary creations and flawless service.

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We were met at the airport by our driver who swiftly took our bags and led us to a black Audi A8, complete with complimentary drinks for the journey.

After a short time we arrived at the hotel and were greeted by smiling staff who were expecting our arrival. Our bags were taken from the boot and while we checked in, were taken to our room with the speed and grace of the Prague ballet ensemble.

The Buddha-Bar Hotel prides itself on atmosphere, and this means that even the more mundane elements of a hotel stay become an exquisite sensory experience. If the luxurious setting and one-to-one service wasn’t clue enough, we knew this place was something special when we saw our room number set in backlit onyx on the floor to the entrance of our room.

Our 35sqm room was a joy to behold. After the hustle and bustle of travelling, it was extremely welcome to be led into this orient-inspired bedroom.

The concierge presented our room to us and obviously enjoyed the expressions of wonderment on our faces as we explored the beautiful setting. The massive bedstead, dressed with the highest quality RKF bed

linen, stood proud with a dragon design at the bed-head, and Chinese lanterns hanging neatly from either side.

As we enjoyed our complimentary welcome drinks we explored the rest of the room. The bathroom joined from the hall and matched the style of the room impeccably with its reflection of the bed-head dragon set in mosaic tile along its oblong side. The mirror at the end of the bath became a TV screen when turned on and the large glass walk-in shower contained yet another luxury: the rain showerhead. Two sit-on basins were the final touch to a beautifully tranquil room.

The huge ruby red wardrobes in the bedroom contained two refrigerated drawers which held the mini bar, complimentary NESPRESSO coffee machine and the electronic safe. The 40” interactive HD Bang and Olufsen TV and fantastic high quality sound system was another welcome addition to the top-level technology. In fact, almost everything in the Buddah-Bar Hotel has a remote control, from the curtains to the TV to the toilet (yes, the toilet).

And unlike many of the high tech gadgets that I have bought over the years that now sit at the bottom of my kitchen cupboard, the technology chosen for the rooms is extremely fitting for the surrounding and adds an extra sense of luxury to your stay.

The hotel, unlike other Buddah-Bars, benefits from two restaurants: the world-famous Buddah-Bar Lounge and the new Siddharta Café. Both restaurants have been decorated in a fusion of styles that are trendy, vibrant, intimate yet sympathetic to the original architectural features of the hotel.

The Siddharta Café, designed to be a ‘Pop Art Eatmosphere’, shows off its huge height with floor to ceiling crystal Buddhas lit below by a rainbow of coloured lights. The warm hues of the restaurant make it ideal for any time of day, and indeed this is where we ate both our breakfast and lunch. A myriad of international courses are

available for each meal from Japanese Bento Boxes to Pancakes for breakfast, to Udon Noodles and Chicken Tajin for lunch and dinner.

The food was beautifully presented and very much enjoyed.

We visited the Buddha-Bar itself for dinner that evening and were immediately blown over by the awe-inspiring surroundings. A DJ on the mezzanine floor helped set the ambience by mixing lounge and chill-out tracks from the famous Buddha-Lounge record label. Reds and golds were the dominant colours in the restaurant which made for an opulent and intimate atmosphere. Our table was positioned at the feet of an enormous Buddha who smiled at us as we ate, drank and had a most memorable dining experience.

We started our evening with Apple Martinis suggested to us by the very attentive staff. One of the bar’s specialities is the extensive cocktail menu; some of which you won’t find anywhere else. The dinner menu is designed as a blend of Asian and Pacific-Rim fusion cuisine, which has been inspired by the Buddha-Bar Paris signature dishes. Eating at the Buddha-Bar is a shared experience. Dishes are served in the centre of the table giving every diner in your party a chance to try some of the delectable food, if you’re willing to let them. We tried a heady mix of Calamari, Frogs Legs and Octopus, and Bang Bang Chicken with Peanuts for our starters. Red Thai Shrimp Curry with Lemon Grass Rice, Roasted Sea Bream with Tamarind Sauce and a palate of Sushi arrived for our main course. For dessert we enjoyed a Trio of Sorbets – Green Lemon, Wild Strawberry and Green Tea, and a Trio of Crème Brulée – Coconut, Chocolate and Vanilla.

Fully satisfied, we said goodnight to the smiling Buddha and headed off for some fresh Czechoslovakian air. After a leisurely stroll, tiredness got the better of us so we made our way, bleary-eyed, back to our room. There, waiting for us on the end of the bed were two

goodnight chocolates and an orchid. Blissful.

The Buddha-Bar Prague’s ethos is to treat their guests to an unparalleled relaxing, rejuvenating and harmonious experience. There is perhaps one part of the Buddah-Bar experience that delivers all of these things in one package, so I took the opportunity to book one of the inroom spa treatments to experience it for myself.

After creating the right ambience in the room with dimmed lighting and soothing Buddha-Bar music, I was asked to lie on the mattress that had been rolled out for the massage. Starting from my toes, the masseuse worked on all of my pressure points and eased out my muscle tension from the hilly walk to Prague Castle earlier that day. She leaned on my body using her hands and forearms to provide a gentle rhythmic pressure, stretched my fingers, toes and ear lobes, and pulled me into the arched cobra position – think snake ready to strike – to really extend the airways. The experience was, for lack of a better word, perfect, and was topped off with the arrival of a complimentary hot herbal tea to my room.

Prague’s Buddah-Bar Hotel is truly an experience for all five senses – sight, taste, hearing, touch and smell. As a guest you are treated as an individual for which nothing is too much, and to a stay that captivates your mind, body and soul.

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TRAVEL

Corfu

A GRAND HOLIDAY I N

STEEPED IN HISTORY, SANDY BEACHES AND LUSH HILLS, A HOLIDAY AT THE LOUIS GRAND HOTEL IN CORFU IS THE PERFECT ESCAPE FROM MODERN-DAY LIFE.

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Called ‘Kerkyra’ by locals, Corfu’s history is nothing short of magical. It’s a place still brimming with mystery; even its Greek name has a solid mythological origin. As the myth goes, Poseidon fell in love with the Nymph Korkira, kidnapped

of the latter group, the Louis Grand Hotel on Glyfada Beach might be just right for your island holiday.

Located about 25 minutes from the airport, the Louis Grand is situated in one of the most exclusive locations on Corfu, with rolling hills surrounding it on all sides and a picture-perfect sandy beach a stone’s throw away.

The four-star hotel boasts 247 guest rooms, including a large proportion of seaview and family rooms. The seaview rooms on the upper floors boast balconies with fantastic views of the Ionian Sea. It’s easy to waste away your mornings lying in bed with the balcony doors open, letting in the warm sea breeze and smells of the ocean.

her, and brought her to the island. Ever since, the island has been a tribute to the Nymph by name, still being called ‘Kerkyra’ in 2010.

Located just off the west coast of Greece, Corfu is only about 40 miles long and 18 miles wide.

The island enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate with wet winters and hot summers, making it a lush green paradise for holidaymakers from all over the world.

Some travellers want to experience Corfu for the nightlife; some want total relaxation. If you’re part

Rooms All rooms areare all air-conditioned individually air-conditioned with private with bathrooms, private bathrooms, mini-fridges mini-fridges and satellite and satellite TVs TVs (in case you get sick of the beach, if that’s possible).

The Louis Grand offers all-inclusive packages where you can enjoy unlimited food, drinks (soft and alcoholic), activities such as archery and aqua-aerobics, and tonnes of fun for the kids.

The hotel will even pack you a lunch box if you fancy a daytime exploratory adventure.

tastes with both Greek and Venetian roots. Some of the most well known dishes are Sofrito (sliced veal with vinegar, parsley and garlic), and Pastitsada (a meat and pasta dish). The olives and tomatoes are to die for (after all, there are more than two million olive trees on the island), the feta cheese is indescribably good, and the hot dishes are bursting with local flavours and ingredients.

If you’d rather stick with what you know, the Louis Grand always has plenty of familiar foods on offer, including chips, pizza, pasta and of course, full American English breakfasts. breakfasts.

The beach is quite possibly the Louis Grand’s greatest asset, with plenty of space for all its guests, soft sands and glorious views. If the salt water gets to be too much, there is a large swimming pool with views of the beach and hills, neighboured by the Pergola pool bar where you can enjoy one of the tasty all-inclusive cocktails.

With a flight time of just over three hours, Corfu offers a perfect balance of relaxation, convenience and oh-so-splendid sun.

For more information on a Louis Hotel holiday, visit www.louishotels.com

Dining at the Louis Grand is an experience not to be missed, with a sumptuous selection of local fare at every meal. Corfiot cuisine is a fusion of

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TRAVEL

travel greener this summer

ECO-FRIENDLY TRAVEL ADVICE FROM HOLIDAYEXTRAS.COM

ECOTOURISM IS AN INCREASINGLY POPULAR AND IMPORTANT FORM OF TRAVEL, WITH THE FOCUS ENTIRELY ON CUTTING CARBON COSTS, SPENDING RESPONSIBLY AND REDUCING ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT. WITH THE TRAVEL FOUNDATION'S 'MAKE HOLIDAYS GREENER' WEEK RUNNING FROM JUNE 26JULY 3, AWARENESS OF THE NEED TO TRAVEL GREEN IS SET TO TAKE ON EVEN GREATER PROMINENCE. HolidayExtras.com hope to provide travellers with leading advice to enable them to do their bit. From suggestions on where to travel and how to offset your carbon emissions, to a number of top tips and helpful hints, their full guide to green travel can be found online at www.holidayextras.co.uk/greentravel. Take a look today and start planning a greener holiday in 2010.

A recent poll by HolidayExtras.com suggests that, despite the benefits of ecotourism, staying green on holiday isn't a big priority for most travellers.

Of the 1,565 people surveyed, 56% said they would not carbon offset their

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holidays, 16% said they were thinking about it and only 11% said they would. Perhaps more encouragingly, 17% said they'd offset their travels if they knew how.

This highlights a chief issue with green travel in that the general public are not really aware of how to be greener on holiday. Given the huge growth in budget flights and cheap holidays over the past two decades, educating people as to how to offset their carbon costs is vital in ensuring the continued longevity of sustainable travel.

When travellers offset the carbon costs of their flight, it's typically a process where they're paying extra to have money put into environmental schemes in an effort to balance out the carbon they're emitting. Most airlines will offer their own carbon offsetting schemes, but there are specialist organisations who will offset travellers' carbon footprints.

Companies such as the Carbon Neutral Company and Climate Care will take flight details and calculate the carbon cost before charging a fee to offset it. But it's not just flights that they'll offset. Their customers are able to calculate their annual carbon cost and work out a plan for offsetting the entire lot in one go, or as a series of payments.

TAKE A LOOK TODAY AND START PLANNING A GREENER HOLIDAY IN 2010

Organisations such as these will hand-pick projects from around the world to support, and anyone spending with them can be sure that their cash is being put into a good environmental cause. All anyone needs to do to offset their carbon footprint is to visit the Carbon Neutral Company or Climate Change on the web and follow through their respective forms.

TOP TIPS FOR THE BUDDING ECO-TRAVELLER • Try and save as much water as you can on your travels • Turn off and unplug all electrical appliances at home and while abroad • Buy locally sourced products • Don't buy products made from endangered species or wild animals • Remove all unnecessary packaging from anything you're taking with you • Support the local economy by booking tours and sightseeing trips with local guides • Turn down or turn off the air conditioning/heating in your hotel room if you can

GREEN HOLIDAY IDEAS Want to go on a green holiday but not sure where to start? Here are a few suggestions for green holidays around Europe.

With a walking holiday through the Carinthian Alps in Austria, you'll be visiting some of the most traditional and picturesque villages in the country.

A walking holiday is perfect in that it leaves behind no carbon footprint and allows you to enjoy some breathtaking scenery at a leisurely pace.

If you like the idea of walking through the Alps but are in the mood for something a little more adventurous, you could try hiking around Lake Lucerne in Switzerland. Requiring a little more fitness, you'll be exploring the area round Switzerland's most idyllic lake on foot, by cable car, train and boat.

Just southwest of Stockholm you can embark on a sea-kayaking tour of the islands and archipelagos off the Swedish coast. Following your own tour guide you'll be camping out on the islands, getting closer to nature and experiencing some of the best sights that Sweden's waters have to offer.

A ski tour is another way to get around under your own steam without leaving a carbon footprint. Why not try a ski tour in the Charmonix Valley in France and see some of the most remote areas in the Alps? You'll be able to get away from the crowded pistes and see the untouched mountains for yourself.

Our final suggestion is a cycling excursion through Holland. Again, you're powered by yourself, so no carbon footprint at all. The Dutch countryside is perfectly suited for cycling with its flat, open ground and bike-friendly towns and roads.

About HolidayExtras.com HolidayExtras.com is the UK market leader in UK airport parking and hotel packages. Based in Newingreen, Kent, the company's aim is to take the hassle out of travel by offering a comprehensive choice of holiday add-ons for the best prices.

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EVENTS

SUMMER EVENTS AT UTOPIA, ASHFORD July Thur 1 July Local Produce Night (£25 Per Head)

Tues 15 July Entrepreneurs At Utopia

Sat 24 July The Mash-up (Free Entry - DJ ‘til 2am)

Fri 2 July Retro Club Classics (Free Entry - DJ ‘til 1am)

Wed 14 July Ladies Night At Utopia (£10 Per Head)

Tues 27 July Comedy At Utopia (£6 Entry)

Thur 15 July Local Produce Night (£25 Per Head)

Wed 28 July Beer Night At Utopia (£25 Per Head)

Sat 17 July Strictly Urban (Free Entry - DJ ‘til 2am)

Thur 29 July Local Produce Night (£25 Per Head)

Tues 20 July Quiz Night With KMFM's Adam Dowling

Sat 31 July Utopia Ibiza Summer Party (Free Entry - DJ ‘til 2am)

Sat 3 July I Love House Music (Free Entry - DJ ‘til 2am) Wed 7 July Wine Night At Utopia (£30 Per Head) Thur 8 July Local Produce Night (£25 Per Head) Sat 10 July Feel The Funk (Free Entry - DJ ‘til 2am)

Wed 21 July Wine Night At Utopia (£30 Per Head) Thur 22 July Local Produce Night (£25 Per Head)

August Tues 3 Aug Live Music At Utopia

Wed 11 Aug Ladies Night At Utopia (£10 Per Head)

Tues 24 Aug Open Mic Night At Utopia

Wed 4 Aug Wine Night At Utopia (£30 Per Head)

Thur 12 Aug Local Produce Night (£25 Per Head)

Wed 25 Aug Beer Night At Utopia (£25 Per Head)

Thur 5 Aug Local Produce Night (£25 Per Head)

Sat 14 Aug Feel The Funk (Free Entry - DJ ‘til 2am)

Thur 26 Aug Local Produce Night (£25 Per Head)

Fri 6 Aug Retro Club Classics (Free Entry - DJ ‘til 1am)

Tues 17 Aug Quiz Night With KMFM's Adam Dowling

Sat 28 Aug The Mash-up (Free Entry - DJ ‘til 2am)

Wed 18 Aug Wine Night At Utopia (£30 Per Head)

Sun 28 Aug Sunday Sessions At Utopia (DJ 9pm-midnight)

Sat 7 Aug I Love House Music (Free Entry - DJ ‘til 2am) Tues 10 Aug Entrepreneurs At Utopia

Thur 19 Aug Local Produce Night (£25 Per Head) Sat 21 Aug Strictly Urban (Free Entry - DJ ‘til 2am)

For more information or to book a place at any of the above events, please call 01233 636060 www.utopia-restaurant.co.uk info@utopia-restaurant.co.uk

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© Dan Desborough

EVENTS

Summer Events with Folkestone’s

CREATIVE FOUNDATION AND QUARTERHOUSE 3 July 7pm Bluesky PIE Battle of the Bands Final, Quarterhouse, £5

11 July 2pm Suitcase Circus FIZZ Family Show, Quarterhouse, £5 adult, £4 children, £15 family*

4 July 10am-4pm Folkestone Arts, Crafts & Food Fair, Harbour Square, Folkestone

24 July 11am-3pm London 2012 Open Weekend – Free Creative Quarter Arts & Sports Trail, Old High Street and Tontine Street, Folkestone

10 July 8pm Laughing Boy Comedy Club, Raymond and Mr Timpkins Revue, Quarterhouse, £10/£8 conc

11 July 11am & 12.15pm Balloon Science FREE FIZZ Family Workshop, Quarterhouse

31 July 8pm Bluesky PIE presents Folkestone's Own, Quarterhouse, £5 1 August 10am-4pm Folkestone Arts, Crafts & Food Fair, Harbour Square, Folkestone 28 August 7.30pm Shivanova presents Kasai Masai, Quarterhouse, Tickets £10 adult, £8 conc, £26 family*

*Family tickets -2 adults and 2 children under 12 For more information, visit www.quarterhouse.co.uk or www.creativefoundation.org.uk

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EVENTS CONCERTS @ ROCHESTER CASTLE // 16 & 17 JULY

MEDWAY MILE, ROCHESTER // 27 JULY

The Saturdays Top girl band The Saturdays will perform in Medway for the first time completing the line up for this summer’s series of concerts at Rochester Castle. The girls will perform all their hits for the crowds at the Castle Gardens, including If This Is Love, Up, Issues, Just Can't Get Enough, Forever is Over and their new single, Ego. Friday 16th July, 7.15pm, £29.50.

With the 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympics Games looming, be a part of Medway’s annual countdown. Thousands of runners and walkers of every ability, age and size will take part in a one-mile course at the exact time the opening ceremony will begin in 2012. It starts at Rochester City Centre and finishes at Rochester Castle Gardens. Every participant receives a free souvenir t-shirt. Build up 4pm; main event 7.30pm, FREE (SAT NAV: ME1 1SX)

The Castle Proms The Castle Proms with the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra returns again this year to Rochester Castle for yet another memorable evening.

Saturday 17th July, 7.15pm, £29.50.

To book please visit: www.medway.gov.uk/theatrebookings/show.asp (SAT NAV: ME1 1SW)

ROD STEWART AT THE O2 ARENA // 28 JULY

MARGATE JAZZ FESTIVAL // 23 – 25 JULY Claire Martin at Winter Gardens Margate, 23rd July, £12. Box office 01843 292 111 www.wintergardens.co.uk (SAT NAV: CT9 1HX) Christine Tobin, Phil Robson, Dave Whitford at The Harbour Café, 10 The Parade, Margate, 24th July, £25 includes 3 course supper. For more info, contact 01843 290110 (SAT NAV: CT9 1EZ) Soh Breezy at The Harbour Café, 12 noon followed by a free afternoon of jazz on the front featuring Annie Whitehead Big Sky Quartet, She'Koyokh Gypsy Jazz, Gill Manly, Omar Puente, Whitstable World Music Workshop Band, 25th July. For details contact 0207 249 8226 (SAT NAV: CT9 1EZ)

FAMILY FUN AT KENT LIFE // 24 JULY - 30 AUGUST

This fun event for the family offers the opportunity to participate in free timed daily activities including Cuddle Corner, Ferret Racing, Piglet Racing or Pig Football and Tractor Trailer Rides. Other paid activities include Junior Quad Bikes, Paint-a-Pot Studio, Donkey Rides and Face Painting. If this is all too much you can enjoy the atmosphere with a cuppa and a cake in the Tea Rooms!

Saturday 24th July - Tuesday 30th August, 10am-6pm, Adult £8.50, Concession £7.50, Child £6.50. For more info visit www.kentlife.org.uk.

Kent Life, Maidstone (SAT NAV: ME14 3AU)

MUSIC AT HEVER CASTLE // 25 JULY & 7 AUG Sounds of the Seventies Tansy Aked and her band Too Darn Hot return to Hever to celebrate all that was great about the Seventies with a medley of songs from that great era. Sunday 25th July, 8pm, £12.

Edith Piaf with Tina May and her Musicians Award winning Tina May brings to life the music of Edith Piaf, France's most beloved entertainer, national icon and musical legend. Watch her recapture the magic of Piaf with classics including La Vie en Rose and Hymne à Lâ'amour. Saturday 7th August, 8pm, £12.

To book call the box office on 01732 866114. Heaver Castle, Nr Edenbridge (SAT NAV: TN8 7NG)

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In what will be one of the most eagerly awaited highlights for 2010, Rod announces his first indoor tour in five years. Doors 6.30pm, for ticket info visit www.theo2.co.uk The O2 Arena, Greenwich (SAT NAV: SE10 0DX)

VETERAN CAR CLUB // 28 JULY Members of The Veteran Car Club return to Chiddingstone Castle for their annual 'Best of West Kent' tour. Come and admire the superb collection of vintage and classic cars as they enjoy a 'coffee stop' at Chiddingstone.

Wednesday 28th July, 11.30-12.30, FREE (SAT NAV: TN8 7AD)

SHAKESPEARE AT LEEDS CASTLE // 30 – 31 JULY “The Tempest” Shakespeare’s tumultuous tale of love and magic performed

by The Lord Chamberlain’s Men staged on the stunning grounds of the castle. Bring along a picnic and Pimms for an evening of Shakespearean excitement with the acclaimed touring theatre company.

Friday 30th & Saturday 31st July, 1pm and 7.30pm. Adult £15; Child (under 16 years) £12; Matinée £10 To book call the box office on: 01622 880008 Leeds Castle (SAT NAV: ME17 1RG)

THE BROOK THEATRE, CHATHAM // 30 JULY Cabaret of Curiosities is a fun and colourful night of alternative entertainment offering an exciting line-up of cabaret extravaganzas featuring circus, dancing, cheeky burlesque, music and more. Friday 30th July, 8pm, £10.

To book go online to: www.medway.gov.uk/theatrebooking (SAT NAV: ME4 4SE)

ALE SAMPLER'S SUPPER // 6 AUGUST A night out with a difference, why not visit Britain’s oldest brewer?

Enjoy an 80-minute tour, a fascinating tutored tasting and a two-course home-cooked supper served in the Visitor Centre bar. Of course, there’s also time for a pint or two with your meal. 7pm, £24.50 per person.

Shepherd Neame Brewery, Faverhsam, 01795 54206 (SAT NAV: ME13 7AX)

BROADSTAIRS FOLK WEEK // 6 - 13 AUGUST

THE BLUES BROTHERS // 24 - 28 AUGUST Attention! Your attention please!

The legendary Original Tribute to The Blues Brothers is back in the UK at last! Yes folks, the show that started it all has been playing sell out tours all over Europe these past few years.

On their mission to bring 'Soul and Blues' back into your heart, the boys are joined by one of Europe’s finest seven piece bands and the sassy Bluettes; three amazing ladies with voices to knock you clean off your perch! Expect all your favourite songs, including “Everybody”.

So dust off your pork pie hat, dig out your shades, don those dancing shoes and prepare to party like never before! Join the Blues Brothers for a night of the best music, moves, thrills and spills you’re likely to see this side of Chicago! Just don’t tell the Police, OK...?!

For times and bookings visit www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk Assembly Hall Theatre, Tunbridge Wells (SAT NAV: TN1 2LU)

FAME - THE MUSICAL! // 25 - 28 AUGUST

A fantastic festival in one of the loveliest seaside towns in England – what more could you want? A week long festival of over 500 events for all ages throughout the town celebrating its 45th birthday. The Concert Marquee is where you’ll find all of the headline acts performing, located in the middle of the town and a ten-minute walk from the campsite.

Once you’ve arrived in Broadstairs, you can walk from venue to venue, all within a beautiful English seaside town. There are over 500 events throughout the week, many of them free – you can find out about a lot of the artistes appearing by clicking through the line-up and going straight onto their own websites. For more info visit www.visitkent.co.uk

Every year Kidz on Stage and the Community Theatre Project offers young people from the area the chance to get involved in all aspects of stage production. Fame is a true classic; success and struggle, talent and tenacity - any kid who ever had a dream to perform will identify with this story that charts the students' experiences of the School of Performing Arts from their first lesson to graduation day. With great song and dance routines from the moment the curtain rises right through to the show-stopping finale - we guarantee a truly 'fametastic' experience for all!

Visit the website for times and bookings www.leascliffhall.org.uk Leas Cliff Hall, Folkestone (SAT NAV: CT20 2DZ)

ANGLO-BAVARIAN BEERFEST @THE HISTORIC DOCKYARD, CHATHAM // 28-29 AUGUST

KNIGHT SCHOOL AT CANTERBURY TALES // 11 & 25 AUGUST

Enroll to Knight School for a master class in medieval swordsmanship.

See combat demonstrations between the Knight and his unarmed squire, learn the myths and realities of medieval armour! An opportunity to become an esteemed Knight through expert and knowledgeable tuition. For more info visit www.visitkent.co.uk

For beer and wine lovers alike, see in the bank holiday with this unique festival. On offer are seating and a selection of beer-swilling, foot stomping entertainment starring the UK's best German Oompah Band, the Amazing Bavarian Stompers, and the country's leading Chas & Dave tribute band, plus many more sing-a-long favourites.

Bank Holiday Weekend, doors Open at 4pm / entertainment commences at 5pm. Finishes at 10.30pm, £22 (price includes ticket and a free pint of lager or glass of wine).

To book call the box office on 01634 338338 (SAT NAV: ME4 4TZ)

www.insidekentmagazine.co.uk

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EVENTS

WK FINN KELCEY’S ANNUAL PIMMS RECEPTION 22nd June 2010

PHOTOGRAPHY BY PAUL FISHER

Approximately 160 local professionals enjoyed another glorious summer’s evening when WK FinnKelcey, Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers, hosted their sixth annual Pimms for Professionals Drinks Reception at Boughton Aluph Church Field, Boughton Aluph. The evening provided guests from in and around Kent to informally network with fellow professionals and also facilitated WK FinnKelcey in thanking their introducers and business colleagues for the historic and anticipated future opportunities of working jointly together.

A live jazz trio played in the background while delicious canapés, Pimms and other summer drinks were served to create an enjoyable evening for all.

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ENTERTAINMENT

kevin McNALLY C E L E B R I T Y

E X C L U S I V E

WHEN YOU SEE KEVIN MCNALLY IN HIS ROLE AS GRUFF DRUNKEN PIRATE GIBBS – CAPTAIN JACK SPARROW’S FIRST MATE AND MOST TRUSTED COMPANION IN THE PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN FILMS – THERE IS ALMOST NO WAY TO TELL THAT UNDERNEATH LIES THE GENIUS TALENT OF A SHAKESPEAREAN THESPIAN. STARTING HIS CAREER WITH A SCHOLARSHIP AT THE ROYAL ACADEMY OF DRAMATIC ARTS AND GOING ON TO PERFORM ON STAGE AND SCREEN IN OVER 200 PROJECTS AND 30 FEATURE FILMS, MCNALLY HAS WORKED WITH SOME OF THE INDUSTRY’S GREATEST TALENTS. INSIDEKENT FEATURE WRITER, LIZZY CLINE, WAS HONOURED TO SPEND SOME TIME WITH THIS TRULY GREAT ACTOR.

How has playing Gibbs changed your career?

To the point of opening doors and opportunities and of course the experience was something I could never have dreamed. I was actually quite scared, but then again you work and hope for something like this to come across your plate. It was the role that I had waited for my whole career – being able to work with an actor like Johnny Depp and a director of Gore’s caliber.

How was the transition from screen back to stage after such a long time? What is the biggest difference for you between them?

After so many years I had to dredge it up again.

The difference is finding it again and again each time. I can’t imagine myself only doing one or another. Once you’re a stage actor you’re always a stage actor.

You have worked with Jude Law in the past (topic of our cover story). What was your impression of him?

Jude was such a talent! He’s just beyond gifted.

He gave 150 percent every performance and just in everything.

You performed in the play “Naked” with the great Juliette Binoche. Can you tell us about your personal experience working with her?

Sadly I didn’t get naked with Juliette (chuckles).

I found her most delightful, giving and down to earth. She didn’t carry that air about her, you know? True story: for my entrance in the play I come in and just yell at her; I call her that awful name. Every night that was the first thing I had to say to this wonderful woman. So one night she calls me in her dressing room and says to me, “Kevin, I have this wonderful favor to ask of you. Will you do it?” Of course I told her yes,

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and she said, “I just can’t stand the first thing you say to me every night to be that awful instance on stage. Would you mind popping your head in every night before the performance just to say hello?” That speaks of the kind of woman she is.

There’s a quote about you that says, “Due to his broad frame, scowly face and growly pirate-like voice, he is frequently cast as henchmen, brutes and working-men in period films.” Is this an accurate account?

I would say whoever wrote that has only seen about 2 percent of my work.

How do you feel about appearing in period pieces? Are they challenging for you?

To really accomplish a period piece an actor needs two things: One, to understand and have a sense of the period of history he/she is portraying, and two, to convey that to the audience.

Because of your Gibbs character you have quite a cult following. What is your reaction to that?

I actually wasn’t aware of that. My son showed me a gay porn site once and apparently I have a bit of a gay following, but all that is news to me!

Do you have a list of actors you would like to work with?

Yes, I’d love to work with Jack Nicholson, Anthony Hopkins and Kim Cattrall. She and I have been trying to work together for awhile now.

How do you describe being a father, and do your children want to be in the business?

Being a parent is the only decent thing in life,

isn’t it? My daughter wants to be in the business, my son is more of a musician.

You directed your first film Lucky which featured your partner Phyllis Logan. Was it hard separating personal and professional relationships in that sense?

Phyllis was a delight. She’s so talented and it was of course a love affair and the most incredible experience. Directing is a bit of another animal, you know. You’re the first one there and the last one home at night. It’s a lot to take on – a huge responsibility.

What charity organizations are you involved with?

I am involved with a wonderful charity Chase Hospice in Guildford. They assist about 300 families and we made our first trip there this past year. (Chase supports children with life shortening conditions and their families. Find them on the web at www.chasecare.org.uk) You are set to play the part of Gibbs in Pirates of the Caribbean 4. How do you feel returning a fourth time to the role?

It was an honour to be asked back again, as some of the other characters unfortunately will not return. When I looked at the script, I felt it was more along the lines of the first film and I was pleased with the development of the character.

Are you looking forward to shooting in Hawaii?

I’ll be in Waikiki cheering the World Cup at the hotel waving my flag!

Look for Kevin next in Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides to be released May 2011