Your Guide to a Kent Summer

Summer skin takes a battering - sun, salt, chlorine, and long days all take their toll. Bodhi Butter from Bodhi & Fae is the one jar that does it all. Kukui oil, trusted for centuries in Hawaiian healing traditions, is blended with shea butter and calendula-infused sunflower oil, with a whisper of lavender and Roman chamomile. Rich enough to transform rough or stressed skin, light enough for daily use on the whole family from age three upwards. Open the jar and the first thing you do is exhale. The second is reach for it again. Shop Bodhi Butter at Bodhi & Fae

Chill a bottle of Brabourne’s 2023 Albermarle Chardonnay and let summer pour. With zesty notes of lime, apple and mint, it’s a light, refreshing white perfect for sunny lunches, evening drinks or weekend picnics. Low in alcohol but high in charm – it’s one to keep on standby.

Shop now or plan a visit: https://brabournewine.com/buy-...

Pick Your Own weekends run throughout the summer, giving visitors the chance to pick plums, apples and pears from the Brogdale Collections orchards and have a guided tour of the National Fruit Collection. On 19–20 August, don’t miss Plum Weekend, where you can discover over 300 varieties of plums and gages, enjoy PYO, tours, fruit tastings, children’s crafts and more. Then round off the holidays at the Brogdale Cider Festival on 29–30 August, Bank holiday weekend, featuring Kent’s finest local ciders, live music, family entertainment, free kids’ activities, face painting, tractor rides, festival games and a free shuttle bus to and from Faversham Station. Saturday’s headline act is Curb Pilots, with Los Magos closing the festival on Sunday.

https://brogdalecollections.org/festivals-and-events/

Good news for families this summer. The Cow Shed Bar & Grill in Birchington and The Cow Shed at The Ship Inn in Faversham are running a Big Kids Summer Menu throughout July and August, with special summer pricing on a range of crowd-pleasing dishes. Think Texas-style garlic and rosemary fire bread, nachos, Southern chicken stack, Old Speckled Hen fish and chips, smoked meats boards and Cow Shed burgers. While children eat free on the Mini Moo Menu, adults can tuck in too - great value, great food, great company.

Book at www.thecowshedbarandgrill.co.uk or www.theshipinnospringe.co.uk

Longer evenings call for food with attitude. Mega Mexican blends smoked paprika, cumin, coriander and chipotle for proper street-food energy. Stir into chilli, toss through fajitas or mix straight into smashed avocado for guacamole with real depth. It’s smoky, warming and built for sharing. Keep it simple with grilled chicken and flatbreads, or go all in with loaded nachos. However it lands on the table, bland doesn’t stand a chance.

👉 Turn up the flavour here: https://dustbros.co/collections/all

Sun-filled days often mean spending more time outdoors, making gentle yet effective skincare even more important. Fox & Bloom’s Face Serum is the perfect companion for healthy summer skin. Crafted with Bakuchiol and Olive Squalane, this lightweight formula helps nourish and support your complexion while delivering a natural glow. A few drops applied after cleansing allows the carefully chosen ingredients to work their magic before sealing everything in with moisturiser. Handmade in Kent with a focus on simplicity and quality, it’s a small step that makes a noticeable difference.

Explore Fox & Bloom products online: https://www.foxandbloom.co.uk/shop

July is shaping up to be a cracker at Goody Ales. Catch Firkins at Full Moon on 3rd, an Open Mic Night on 9th, Herne Bay Folk's Andy Smythe on 11th, and the jazzy Devil's Avocado trio on 12th. Don't miss the Summer Panto, Beauty and the Yeast, on 25th, followed by Ragged Bandits on 31st. Enjoy chilled keg beers, cask ales, stone-baked pizzas and local ice cream along the way. No bookings needed, just bring your own chairs for outdoor events. Dogs welcome on leads, no outside food or drink please.

View all upcoming events at www.goodyales.co.uk/events

A devilishly moreish mix of caramel, creamed coconut, toasted rice, and desiccated coconut, it’s rich, dreamy, and totally tropical. Pack a box in your picnic for the perfect summer sweet treat.

For something even more indulgent, grab one of our Summer Picnic Hampers choc full of marshmallows, chocolate, and a bit of something bubbly!

Shop here: https://goupiechocolate.com/products/limited-edition-coconut

As the sun shines over the Weald, Greensand Ridge Distillery is celebrating its 10th summer – and a bumper season of beautiful, local fruit. With the scent of summer blooms drifting through the barn doors, it’s the perfect time to distil our award-winning gins and rums. Sustainability has always been at our core, from using surplus produce to running on 100% renewable energy. Whether you’re curating a seasonal drinks menu or stocking up for summer gatherings, every bottle supports small-batch spirits made with purpose.

Explore our spirits and story: www.greensanddistillery.com

There is a reason Benenden Sauce becomes indispensable at this time of year. Its sweetness and garlic depth stand up to grilled meats, charred vegetables and fresh fish straight from the barbecue. Brush lightly during cooking or drizzle just before serving for an added layer of flavour. Handmade in Kent since 1998 and crafted without artificial preservatives, it behaves naturally and tastes honest. Keep a bottle close to hand. It has a habit of disappearing quickly.

👉 Find it online: https://u8mavj-vb.myshopify.com/

Perfect for bringing flavour to every grill. From rich smoky BBQ sauces and spicy glazes to classic marinades that tenderise and enhance meats, our selection has something for every taste. Whether you're cooking burgers, steaks, chicken, or vegetables, our products help create mouth-watering results every time. While you're planning your next barbecue, be sure to explore our retail range, packed with quality products, pantry favourites, and meal-time essentials.

Explore the range – Retail - Karimix

Looking for something a little different to round off a summer picnic or BBQ? Licks & Sips, Faversham's beautifully styled ice cream tricycle, brings award-winning Simply Ice Cream straight to your garden gathering. Built around a classic Pashley No.33, the trike serves a generous range of artisan flavours, including vegan and non-dairy options, so there is something for every guest. Hire packages include a minimum of two hours of service, perfect for keeping everyone topped up between burgers and sunshine. Get in touch to check availability for your event.

Canterbury's lunchtime crowd has a fresh new option with Lily's Social Kitchen's Grab & Go menu. Choose ready-made picnic bundles with Kent Crisps from £5, desk-delivered office lunches with no delivery fee, or generous sharer boards for meetings and training days. Bespoke catering packages are also available for bigger gatherings, from feasts to smoky BBQs. Every purchase supports Lily's wider mission: creating inclusive employment, building confidence and training for people facing barriers to work, and strengthening community through food and kindness. A lunch that does good, for you and for Kent.

Contact catering@lilyscommunity.org for more information.

One thing we hear a lot is: “I love big flavours, but I don’t have the headspace for complicated recipes.”

That’s exactly why we built our kits the way we did. Each one breaks bold, traditional cooking into simple, manageable steps — no hunting for unusual ingredients, no long lists, no guesswork. We source 16 different spices that we use in combination for our different recipes, all to achieve that real from the island taste.

You just cook, taste, and let the kitchen do what it’s meant to do: bring people together.

Find your new favourite now: https://www.littlebigflavourki...

Summer is officially here and the Wasps and Midges will shortly be joining us!

Go into battle with the help of our must-have Summer Collection of Citronella & Lemongrass candles. Hand poured in Kent the Collection is presented in stunning handmade Italian glass in vibrant colours that will enhance any setting. Made from 100% sustainable soy wax our Citronella & Lemongrass fragrance is blended with Citrepel, produced in the UK, which is a naturally derived, highly effective insect repellent. Citrepel is registered under the Biocidal Products Directive (BPR) and certified as a product of natural origin by ECOCERT. Produced from natural essential oils, Citrepel is very high in PMD, a powerful active ingredient shown to be effective against a broad spectrum of insects.

Please browse our Collection at: https://www.loccreative.co.uk/shop/summer-must-haves/citronella-lemongrass/

Running throughout July and August from 18:30 until late, enjoy free entry with no booking required. Grab a drink in the evening sunshine with friends and family while listening to live performances from talented local musicians. Pair a cold glass from the Hop Shed bar with delicious street food and sweet treats from our onsite vendors. Discover your new favourite summer spot at Macknade's Food Village!

See what's on: https://macknade.com/pages/food-village-2026

If your barbecue season deserves better than supermarket charcoal, Morghew Park Estate in Tenterden has the answer. Made from logs sourced from the estate's 200 acres of managed Kentish woodland using traditional methods, this is charcoal with real provenance - slow-burning, consistent and produced with proper care. It is available to pick up directly from the Morghew shop on the estate, so no online ordering for this one. A reason, if you needed one, to make the trip to Tenterden this summer.

You can pick up charcoal from The Potato Shop all year round: https://morghew.com/the-potato-shop/

Rhubarb isn’t just for spring. Served chilled over ice with fresh mint or paired with summer bakes, Myatt’s Rhubarb Fizz becomes a versatile summer favourite. Crafted on the family farm using surplus rhubarb, it’s a sparkling reminder that sustainability and flavour can go hand in hand. Light, refreshing and made in North Kent, it’s ideal for garden gatherings and warm evenings outdoors.

Stock up for summer here:
👉 https://myattsfizz.com/

Soft fruit season continues in July, with peak‑season strawberries, raspberries, gooseberries and the start of the plums too! You’ll also find crisp summer lettuces, refreshing cucumbers and plenty more seasonal produce from our growers.

Although each of our farmers markets runs once a month, they take place in different nearby locations on different weeks, meaning you can enjoy shopping with our stallholders every week throughout July simply by visiting a different market.

🗓️ July 2026 Farmers Market Dates
Hall Place Bexley Farmers Market - Sunday 5th July, the 1st Sunday of the month, from 10am
Lenham Country Market - Sunday 12th July, the 2nd Sunday of the month, from 9am
Hall Place Bexley Saturday Farmers Market - Saturday 18th July, the 3rd Saturday of the month, from 10am
Chislehurst Farmers Market - Sunday 19th July, the 3rd Sunday of the month, from 10am
West Malling Farmers Market - Sunday 26th July, the 4th Sunday of the month, from 9.30am

Learn more about each farmers market, meet the stallholders, and explore what’s in season at: www.myfarmersmarket.co.uk

Close your eyes and you could be somewhere warmer. N2 Sweet Lab's Dubai Chocolate is an indulgent, richly layered creation inspired by the bold flavours of the Middle East - the kind of thing you'd want to find at a souk rather than a high street shelf. Made by hand in their King Street workshop in Maidstone, it's been turning heads since it caught the attention of BBC Radio Kent and Kent Online earlier this year. A seriously good summer treat that tastes like a little holiday in every bite. Find it in the N2 Sweet Lab online store: www.n2sweetlab.com/store

For those who appreciate skill, patience and provenance, Nine Oaks Vineyard offers wines with real substance. Their range of still and sparkling English wines is estate-grown, small batch and shaped by hands-on viticulture in Hothfield, near Ashford. From crisp Bacchus to refined Chardonnay and elegant sparkling cuvées, each bottle reflects a commitment to quality over quantity. It’s wine made with intention – grounded in the land and confident in its identity.

Browse the shop and current releases at https://www.nine-oaks.co.uk/

Summer settles beautifully at THE PIG-at Bridge Place, set amongst rolling countryside just outside Canterbury. Spend a morning exploring the Kent Downs on foot, weaving through wildflower meadows and ancient woodland, before wandering the Kitchen Garden to see what's growing, ripening and heading to the kitchen. Afternoons are best spent at the Garden Oven, where wood-fired pizzas made with freshly picked ingredients pair perfectly with a cocktail in the sun. Canterbury's historic streets are just a short drive away for a morning of exploring - but returning to the countryside always feels like an escape.

Book your stay at www.thepighotel.com/book/?hotelCode=BRIDGE

The wait is over. Quex Farms in Birchington has launched its seasonal veg box scheme this summer, filled with pesticide-free vegetables grown right there on the estate. Kohl rabi, cabbage, beetroot, onions and more: all seasonal, all Kent-grown, all tended by a team who care deeply about the land they farm. There are two sizes available of our weekly box that can be delivered or collected from the farm.

Order yours here: https://www.quexveg.co.uk/

Headlines once claimed this Kent town ranked among the UK's top 10 smelliest places to live. The story traces back to a 2020 study of council complaint data on nuisance smells, with bonfires the most common culprit. Look closer, though, and you'll find Victorian relics called stink pipes (or stench posts) still standing today, designed to vent sewer gases safely above rooftops. Fancy uncovering exactly where? Grab a Quiz Trail, created by a mum-and-daughters team who love sharing Kent's quirky history, and turn an afternoon walk into a clue-solving adventure. History with mystery awaits!

Order your trail today at www.QuizTrail.co.uk

Long lunches on the grass, evenings by the sea, or quiet moments beneath an open sky... did you know that your Romney Marsh Wools throw is also perfect for outdoor occasions?! Crafted from pure British Romney wool, they combine natural warmth and comfort with exceptional durability and the practicality of being washable, making them just as suited to life outdoors as they are draped over a favourite chair at home. Soft, timeless and beautifully made, they bring an understated sense of luxury to every gathering, inviting you to slow down and savour the season in comfort.

Order here for spring: https://romneymarshwools.co.uk/products/2614-limited-edition-romney-marsh-wools-king-size-dogtooth-throw

Available in 500ml bottles, Whitstable Bay 0.5% Pale Ale combines four varieties of hops to create vibrant citrus notes and a crisp finish, and features a distinctive label created in collaboration with global creative agency, Thirst.

This is the most recent addition to the Shepherd Neame portfolio, following the introduction of Iron Wharf Stout (4%) and Creekside Juicy IPA (4%).

Whitstable Bay 0.5% Pale Ale is available in selected Shepherd Neame pubs and from our online shop.

Enjoy our picnic within the rolling vines of our Kent estate, taste fresh seasonal strawberries paired with indulgent cream alongside a glass of perfectly chilled Silverhand Strawberries & Cream wine. Whether you’re joining us for a relaxed afternoon, or a full Safari Tour Experience, this is this summers wine to help unwind, indulge and soak up the countryside at its finest.

Book your experience today and make the most of the season:
Explore Silverhand Experiences
https://booking.bookinghound.cloud/fe/book?mode=ap&og=c8cc14be-179f-4784-8b01-6570b80098e1&uniqueid=49

A celebration of Kent winemaking in one gift set. This bundle pairs the 2023 Bacchus wine, crisp with notes of elderflower, melon and passion fruit, with the multi-award-winning 2022 Bacchus Dry Gin, infused with aromatic botanicals including the wine itself. Made for sharing on special occasions or gifting to gin lovers and wine enthusiasts alike, this duo showcases the craft and care of the vineyard's winemakers from grape to glass. Suitable for vegans, it's a standout choice for birthdays, anniversaries, or simply because.

Find out more at https://terlinghamvineyard.co.uk/product/bacchus-wine-gin-gift-set/

Summer is perfect for one of our longer TrAles through Kent’s rolling downs or along its dazzling coastline. Follow in the footsteps of pilgrims from Wye to Canterbury, or wander from Dover to Deal while soaking up the stories, and nature of the White Cliffs — with stops for Kent beers and ciders (other drinks are also available). Short on time? Try a Taster TrAle through Canterbury’s green spaces, or catch the sea breeze at Deal, Dover, or Whitstable. Led by experienced local guides, our walking beer adventures blend lively history, and curated beer tastings for a day of chat, cheer, and glorious Kentish views.

https://tralesoftheunexpected.co.uk

Long evenings and golden afternoons make summer the perfect time to discover Kent's vineyards. White Horse Wine Tours collects guests from Ashford International, just 38 minutes from St Pancras, for a relaxed visit to two of the county's most exciting wine producers. At each stop, enjoy a guided tasting of at least three wines, paired with locally-sourced cheese or charcuterie (vegan option available) at one vineyard, and a guided tour of the vines at the other. Choose the 11am or 1pm tour for a leisurely lunchtime nibble among the rows, or save the 3pm slot for golden hour photographs and supper-time cheese and charcuterie nibbles.

Discover more and book your summer tour with White Horse Wine Tours.