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Holly Loftus
25th September 2023

How do you take your coffee in the morning? Do you choose the Instagrammable microbubbles of a flat white with oat milk? A milky, frothy latte to ease in to the day, or a no-frills black filter for your caffeine kick start? However you’re enjoying your coffee, we know it’s best enjoyed when ordered with a side of delicious brunch! Luckily Kent has a number of foodie spots for a leisurely brunch with friends, or a quick pastry and a cup of joe to go! Here’s some of our favourite spots no matter where you find yourself on a morning in the Garden of England.

Whatever the weekend and whatever time you travel, enjoy great savings with Southeastern's Off-peak tickets, allowing you and your friends to make the most of Kentish bubbles with brunch. 

Ashford

Ashford Designer Outlet, the place to go when pay day comes around and you feel like treating yourself, or when a special occasion is around the corner and you’re on the hunt for the perfect pressie. And don’t we know it, shopping can be a little tiring, unless you’re a shopaholic and can go for hours! Either way, we know you’d appreciate a good rest and some good grub! It’s a good thing the Outlet has plenty of food and drink options for you to grab that much needed latte or delicious brunch. With heated outdoor seating and your favourite restaurants like Nando’s, Wagas, and Pizza Express, we know you can’t go to them all so you’ll have to pick a favourite…

Herne Bay

Here in the little seaside town of Herne Bay, there’s plenty of little coffee shops that’ll give you just what you need when a brunch date comes around, and The Green Door Deli is a local favourite. Brunch, lunch, delicious sweet treats and of course the all-important hot beverage. Another gem in the town is the CS Coffee Lounge. Now, if you’re one of those people that makes your brunch date wait, drooling over their food whilst you’re busy snapping away at your food for the gram, then you’ll be right in your element here. And just wait until you see the pretty interior… Flower walls and pretty pink furniture, trust us, you’ll get that Insta-worthy pic in here! We had to mention the Bay Leaf – a Sri Lankan café, serving delicious coffee, cake and lunches in the heart of the town. We wouldn’t blame you if you wanted to go on coffee shop crawl of the town, we’ll quite happily join!

Whitstable

Head to the heart of Whitstable and you’ll find Tea and Times, a local family-run café with a wide range of home-made sandwiches, cakes, and hot dishes for those colder days. Or, fancy brunching in a castle? We thought so! Why not venture into The Orangery Tea Room at Whitstable Castle and enjoy their freshly baked scones or a selection of mouth-watering cakes with a view of the castle gardens. Feeling a little more peckish? Breakfast and lunches are available too!

Thanet

Now for something truly unique... A bus café? Yes, a bus café! Down at one of our favourite Kent seaside towns in Margate, you'll come across this gem of delights, which is quite literally, full of delights! From big bites, to small bits, vegan, to vegetarian and just in case you thought it couldn't get any better, let's throw in the fact that you might spot the words 'award-winning' on the menu a couple times. They quite literally serve up the breakfasts we all need. No seriously, one of their award-winning breakfasts is titled 'The Hangover', and we can all agree that a delicious breakfast is needed after too many tipples (don't worry we're not here to judge!). Heading to Ramsgate? We’ve got just the place. Archives Homestore & Kitchen has all you need for that perfect brunch dream. Offering delicious all day breakfast/brunches, freshly prepared quiches, soups, salads and cake as well as promoting excellent local makers, producers and growers – it’s a no-brainer! Over in Birchington, Quex Barn is the go-to place for a delicious treat. Their restaurant serves up the finest local produce with a little something for everyone, but head there for a lunch and their selection of dishes definitely won’t disappoint.

Find your Keepers Cottage

Looking to stay a little longer in Thanet? Then check out Liberty Cottage in Broadstairs for a cosy seaside retreat. Pst, guess what? There's the perfect coffee shop literally next door! Let's just say Staple = pastry heaven!

Garage, Canterbury

Canterbury

Canterbury’s charming cobbled streets hold more than their fair share of independent coffee shops, so you’ll always be able to find your caffeine hit when you visit the Jewel of Kent. Head to local favourites like Garage Coffee, winners of the 2021 Taste of Kent awards for their Maypole Coffee blend, or pop by Kitch for a healthy brunch without compromising on taste! Alternatively, pop down to St Dunstan’s Refectory Kitchen by Westgate Towers. This student-favourite serves up some of the best rated brunch in Canterbury, and can get queues down the road for their delectable Refectory Rancher!

Harbour Coffee

Folkestone

Folkestone’s creative quarter boasts coffee shops aplenty, so you can enjoy sipping your drinks sea-side at Harbour Coffee while exploring the Folkestone Triennial outdoor artworks. Head up the winding streets of Folkestone's Creative Quarter to explore locally adored spots like the famous Steep Street Coffee House cake or pancake stacks from trendy café Market Square.

Find your Keepers Cottage

Nestle down in Folkestone, we know you want to stay longer! And, The Courtyard, located just a short walk from the town is ready to welcome you all. This pet-friendly apartment is the perfect base to retreat back to after exploring the Creative Quarter, Folkestone's Harbour and the town. Speaking of pet-friendly, we can't forget to mention Marleys café, famous for their weekend brunches and coffee...

Gravesham

Afternoon tea? Sandwiches? Cakes? Brunch? Whatever you takes your fancy on your morning in Gravesend, Priscilla’s Pantry offer’s it all on served on pretty floral plates and proper tea pots for your catch up with friends over a cuppa.

Maidstone

Holders of multiple TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice awards, Baskerville’s Coffee House has been serving up coffees and Instagrammable brunches (think perfect poached eggs trickling over smoked salmon!) at their site in Allington since 2017. Best of all, Baskerville’s is totally dog-friendly spot and they encourage you to bring your perfect pooch along for the ride… and you can order them a free Pupuccino while you're there! Greek Paradise is another gem of Maidstone with delicious Greek pastries and Greek cakes, and be sure to check out Uniquely Bohemian to be transported to a magical place with plants, candles and of course tea and coffee! Have you heard? Mote Park’s new coffee shop is now open and is ready to welcome you with an exciting menu of tasty dishes, hot and cold drinks, light bites and snacks.

@postcardsbyella

Rochester and Chatham 

Nestled on the delightful streets of historic Rochester is the cool Deaf Cat Café, ideal for takeaways and a walk around the cathedral grounds, or settle down inside their aesthetically pleasing café for those winning Instagram shots. Heard of The Cheese Room? Well, if you love all things cheese, wine, bread and charcuterie, the The Cheese Room Deli & Café is the place to go! You'll also find Café Nucleus here in Rochester, alternatively, if you find yourself for a unique spot in Chatham, you'll find Café Nucleus there too! Answering all your coffee needs in this arty, cool hotspot which is a café in the morning, as well as a licenced bar - buck's fizz with breakfast? Don’t mind if we do…

Penshurst Place Porcupine Pantry

Sevenoaks

Looking to relax with a coffee and book in hand? Then The Writers Café is the place to go! This little gem is a great place to head if you’re looking to relax with a book and your choice of hot drink. You’ll be tempted by their delicious selection of homemade cakes, so we wouldn’t blame you if you had a slice (or two!) Speaking of cake, we’ve got just the thing to get your taste buds tingling. Head to Teal Café and you’ll enter sweet treat heaven with their yummy Afternoon Tea menu. There’s also plenty of delicious brunch options including sweet and savoury, sourced using local ingredients from Kent suppliers where possible. We’ve got another favourite brunch spot, which should be on your radar when in Sevenoaks. Brunch in Westerham invites you to join them for, well, brunch of course! From a sweet brunch to a seafood brunch… you’ll be totally brunched out after a visit here. Just because you’re spoilt for choice, we recommend checking out Life on High, with a delicious sustainability-inspired menu, Malabar, an independent, award-winning coffee shop and Soul at SPN with a delicious menu catering for all.

Be sure to pay a visit to the beautiful Penshurst Place Porcupine Pantry, it’s brand-new and has all the delicious delights you need including pastries, hot baguettes and sandwiches – perfect for walkers, visitors and anyone who can’t resist a tasty treat!

Faversham

Foodies could (and do) get lost in the endless food heaven of Macknade, but instead of getting your goods to take home and try in your own kitchen, it's worth stopping by theirs first. They’re serving up brunches and homemade cakes from their highly skilled chefs, and we can taste the difference with that local, high quality produce! Instagrammable interior and instagrammable exterior, Refinery Faversham is the place go if you find yourself in the centre of market town of Faversham searching for a pick me up. Brick-walled with cosy velvet armchairs and cakes and coffees galore, this spot prioritises local ingredients – and they’re vegan friendly too!

Deal Pier Kitchen

White Cliffs Country

Pull up on a pew with a view at Deal Pier Kitchen, as this local favourite café sits at the end of Deal Pier with 360 views of the sparking Kent coast while you enjoy your brunch. Or, whilst you’re in Deal why not check out The Lamp Room at Betteshanger Park? This is the perfect spot to catch up with friends, gather the family and enjoy tasty food in their relaxed eatery. Heading down the road to charming Broadstairs, you’ll find hidden gems like Smiths for your perfect coffee hit, or head right on to the beach at The Funicular Coffee House for your coffee by a sandy beach. If you're out and about in Dover then Sunrise Café is a must, with breakfast, lunch and of course that all-important coffee, ready to be enjoyed in the warm and welcoming atmosphere of this local favourite. 

Find your Keepers Cottage

Remember when we mentioned Deal Pier Kitchen? Well, Keepers Cottages have the perfect apartment, that's located right by it, with beautiful sea views, Pier View is the go-to accommodation for your visit to Deal.

Heading over to Kingsdown? Be sure to check out Victory Cottage, a stylish and spacious coastal retreat with stunning sea views, and yep you guessed it, right next door to the newly renovated Zetland Arms where you can grab a coffee and freshly made Swedish Bun.

Bedgebury Café 

Oh, we know you love a walk around the beautiful Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest. Nature walks and taking to the outdoors is a great way to boost your wellbeing, but you know what else we recommend doing? Eating cake! Luckily for you, the Bedgebury Café is ready to welcome you to try their delicious selection of tasty treats (cakes and pastries of course!) but also a range of hot and cold locally sourced food, catering for gluten free, dairy free and vegan.