January Blues? Be kind to yourself, Stay Local

But I'm choosing a gentler pace – one that allows for duvet days, comfort food, gentle walks, and looking out for the small businesses that need a bit of love this time of year.

While the natural world is still hibernating, there’s something to be said for doing the same – slower mornings, warming meals, and not expecting quite so much of yourself. That kindness can extend to your community, too. January is traditionally one of the toughest months for hospitality – quieter footfall, tighter wallets, and then Dry January on top of it all.

If you're skipping alcohol, that’s grand – but don't let that stop you visiting your local, and if you are still raising a glass now and then, make it count and pick a Kent-made drink.

If you fancy trying something new, here's a few you might not have heard of...

The Drinks Bureau create expertly crafted, premixed cocktails in a can (or a party box) – all the flavour, none of the faff. Just pour a Spicy Margs, relax, and pretend you’re somewhere warmer.

New to the scene, Kicking Goat Cider is Kent’s latest cider – bold, refreshing, and full of attitude. A great way to support fresh local talent doing good things with apples.

And let’s not forget Morghew Park Estate’s Potato Vodka – a refined, crisp spirit made from their own Yukon Gold potatoes. After more than 20 years of growing top-notch spuds, turning them into vodka felt like a natural next step. The result is clean, smooth, and surprisingly fruity – proof that even a humble potato can be a bit of a show-off. It makes a mean Bloody Mary, which for some reason feels right at this time of year?

And of course, we're not short of award winning breweries, vineyards, cider producers, distillers, pubs, restaurants and cafes - all of whom would really appreciate your custom during January (and the rest of the year).

So ease into the year gently. Eat the biscuit. Light the candle. And support the businesses you want to see thriving come spring.