Nestled in the South East Corner of England, Kent is full of beautiful countryside scenery, rich farming heritage and picturesque coastlines. So, it shouldn’t be surprising that these inspirational places have been the birthplace of some of the best foods in England.
Traditional foods that are eaten every day have made their start in Kent, along with some not so well-known dishes. So, if you’re in the area of Kent on holiday, you certainly won’t miss out on fine cuisine. Take a look at some of the best food and drink that “The Garden of England” is famous for – and prepare to enjoy them on your own trip to the county.
Sandwich
Arguably one of the most consumed foods in the British Isles and elsewhere, the sandwich is renowned across the world. However, its origins may come as a surprise. That’s right, the sandwich was invented in Kent.
The sandwich was named after Lord John Montague – 4th Earl of Sandwich. He was rumoured to have been a keen gambler who didn’t like to stop playing in order to eat. He asked his servants to bring him meat between two pieces of bread so he could continue his card games with one hand and thus, the sandwich was born.
In honour of the Earl of Sandwich, you’ll find plenty of delicious sandwiches across the county and can even visit the town of Sandwich in Kent yourself.
Ale
Kent is home to the oldest brewery in England, The Shepherd Neame Brewery. Britain’s oldest brewer produces a number of different ales that are loved across the country and beyond. Bishop’s Finger ale is so well loved, in fact, that it has EU geographical indication which puts it in the same class as champagne or feta cheese.
Spitfire Premium Kentish Ale is the brewery’s best seller and makes a lovely gift to take home to someone craving a taste of Kent. Its name is inspired by the hops in the area that are used to make the delicious ale.
Kentish Rarebit
Kentish rarebit is based on the popular recipe for Welsh Rarebit, also known as Welsh Rabbit. However, despite the name of the recipe, the dish does not include rabbit meat. The name Welsh Rabbit was first recorded in 1725 and it’s believed to have caught on as a joke. The Welsh were known to be fond of cheese on toast and at the time, fancy names were given to common foods.
The Kentish recipe usually includes apple in addition to the other ingredients, bread and cheese. To make the dish, you simply place the apple and cheese onto the bread and grill. People living in Kent adapted the recipe to include apples because of the wonderful orchards in the area. As you can imagine, the recipe was popular with fruit pickers.
Romney Marsh Lamb
Romney Marsh is known for its unspoilt land and beautiful views. But there’s more to it than meats the eye. Romney Marsh is also famous for its lamb. That’s right. The lamb is so sought after that people travel for miles to get it. The animals live and graze in a wide-open field in the salt marshes of Romney. The marshes are free from fertiliser, and the sheep are fed only grass and clover.
There are several ways to cook the lamb. However, there are several Romney locals who can give you some advice on the best way to enjoy.
Canterbury Tart
This is one for the literary lovers! When you visit Kent, you’ll be happy to find that Canterbury tart is around every corner. You won’t have to go far to find a café or bakery that offers a slice of the best Canterbury tart you’ll ever taste.
It’s such a delicious recipe that even Mary Berry has her own take on it. The recipe was first written down by Geoffrey Chaucer, who was the author of the Canterbury Tales. It’s reasonable to think that this is where the name of the tart originated – making it another thing Kent is famous for.
Whitstable Oysters
If you’re a seafood fan, your taste buds will certainly be tantalised when you visit Kent. Whitstable oysters can only be found in the vicinities of Whitstable on the Kent coast. The history of these delectable oysters goes as far back as the 1400s and today, the Whitstable Oyster Company is as popular as ever.
Oysters were first sourced in Kent by the Romans who considered them a delicacy. They were so enjoyed by the Romans that they shipped them back to Rome, live. If you’re travelling at the right time, you may want to stop off at the annual Whitstable Oyster Festival to get a real taste of Kent.
What is Kent famous for?
If you’re heading to Kent for the food and drink, you’ll probably want to know a bit more about the county too. Known as “The Garden of England”, Kent is famous for many things – from Canterbury Cathedral and the white cliffs of Dover to the Historic Dockyard Chatham and the North Downs. It also boasts the only royal harbour in the country and the famous Margate caves.
Below, we’ll take a look at more fascinating things Kent is famous for:
Canterbury Cathedral
One of the most visited places in Kent, Canterbury Cathedral is a must-visit if you’re in the area. Brimming with a rich history and a decadent design, the cathedral was built almost a thousand years ago and is full of stories to tell. Its stunning stained glass windows and breath-taking views make it a gem in the local area.
Ramsgate’s Royal Harbour
Ramsgate’s Royal Harbour earned its name from King George IV, and is the only royal harbour in the country. It features one inner and outer marina, known as the East and West piers. In addition to long harbour walks on both sides, there are amenities to facilitate boat owners who berth their boats there. The harbour is open all year long and 24 hours a day.
Leeds Castle
One of the loveliest castles in the world – according to most that visit – Leeds Castle is one of the Garden of England’s most famous attractions. Located on an island in the middle of a lake, Leeds Castle has been around since 1119. It’s brimming with history and charm, not to mention is connected to several famous royals. From Edward I to King Henry VIII, the castle has many stories to tell, in a sublime location. For a fun day out with the family, why not go punting around the water to get a better view?
Leeds Castle has been home to six medieval queens – Eleanor, Isabella, Philippa of Hainault (wife of Edward III), Joan of Navarre, Catherine de Valois and one of King Henry VIII’s wives Catherine of Aragon. Elizabeth I was even imprisoned there for a time before her coronation.
The White Cliffs of Dover
Facing the English Channel, the White Cliffs of Dover are so famous, there was even a song written about them. Not only will the white cliffs themselves leave you speechless, but there’s a wealth of information to be learned at this historic location. Head to the White Cliffs of Dover’s visitor centre to find out more, before taking a cliff walk to South Foreland Lighthouse and Fan Bay Deep Shelter to get the best views.
But it’s not just the stunning views that’ll get your attention. While you’re in Dover, why not head to Dover Museum and learn about everything from Roman times to the Second World War?
The Historic Dockyard Chatham
Located on the River Medway in East Kent, the Historic Dockyard Chatham is a maritime museum at the Chatham Dockyard offering loads of fun for the family. With 400 years of maritime history and 80 acres to explore. From sailing through the tides of history to exciting activities for the little ones, this is the perfect place to visit if you’re in East Kent.
Hever Castle
The childhood home to one of King Henry VIII’s wives, Anne Boleyn, Hever Castle is set on glorious grounds spanning 125 acres. During your visit to the castle, you’ll get to explore the world-famous gardens and discover the rich and varied history. But that’s not all, if you are bringing the children, there’s plenty of activities on plus, an array of food and drink options – you can also stay at the castle, too!
Herne Bay
A seaside town on the North Coast of Kent, Herne Bay is famous for its picturesque seafront, Seaside Museum, and historic pier. Visitors will see the Bay’s distinctive 80ft Victorian clock tower watching over the seafront. Head over to Waltrop Gardens with a picnic if you want to relax, enjoy the views, and look at all the stunning flower displays the gardens have to offer – they don’t call Kent the Garden of England for nothing! If you’re looking for a peaceful hideaway, head to Hern Bay Reculver’s Shingle Beach.
Fun fact: the world’s oldest horse fossil was found at Studd Hill, Herne Bay in 1838 and has recently been dated as 54 million years old, giving Herne Bay the special privilege of being a claimant to the title of the birthplace of the horse.
If you want to do a beach crawl while you’re in Kent, why not explore the other bays this county has to offer? Viking Bay and Joss Bay are nearby, both perfect for a more secluded spot. Whereas St Margaret’s Bat and Kingstown were both featured in Bond films paying homage to Ian Fleming’s home.
Canterbury World Heritage Site
Home to St Martin’s, England’s oldest working parish church, and St Augustine’s Abbey, the burial place of the Anglo-Saxon kings of Kent, The Canterbury World Heritage Site in East Kent alone is packed with a rich history, royal connections and fascinating facts. as well as Canterbury’s historic houses, there are so much to explore in one of the most famous Kent villages.
The Secret Wartime Tunnels at Dover Castle
The Secret Wartime Tunnels at Dover Castle, a military headquarters and underground hospital in Dover, Kent, served as a barracks for soldiers during World War II. It’s located close to the White Cliffs of Dover, which gave the song a special meaning and provided hope during the second world war. While you’re in Dover, why not pop to Dover Museum to see the intriguing remains of the world’s oldest seagoing boat?
The Royal Tunbridge Wells
As well as the outstanding natural beauty of the Kent countryside, you can also visit popular places like The Royal Tunbridge Wells if you want a charming village atmosphere brimming with independent shops, bars with live music and restaurants. Lying close to the East Sussex border, it has opened its arms to visitors for over 400 years.
Enjoy the lap of luxury in Kent
Whether you’re exploring the Kent countryside or heading to East Kent, this county in the South East is a stunning place to visit. If you’re planning a trip, you won’t want to miss out on the unique, delectable food and drink Kent has to offer. Why not enjoy some of the best recipes in your self-catering cottage before relaxing and unwinding in a private hot tub? With kate & tom’s, you can choose from beautiful, luxury cottages in Kent with hot tubs, swimming pools and so much more.
If you need any more information about our holiday homes, don’t hesitate to call us on 01242 235151 and we’ll find something that’s perfect for your dream getaway.
Want to find out more? Get in touch with our team on 01242 235151
