As the festive season fades and the January blues set in, Samaritans’ Brew Monday campaign offers a simple yet powerful antidote: a cup of tea and a chat. Taking place on what is often called “Blue Monday,” supposedly the most depressing day of the year, Brew Monday encourages us to connect with loved ones and strangers alike over a comforting brew. It’s a reminder that small gestures of kindness can make a big difference. The Heart of Brew Monday Samaritans launched Brew Monday to challenge the myth of “Blue Monday” and shift the focus to something positive. Instead of letting the third Monday of January pass as a day of gloom, it becomes an opportunity to reach out to someone who might need support. Whether it’s a quick video call, a tea break at work, or a casual chat at home, Brew Monday is about sharing warmth and listening to each other. Tea Time with Local Flavour: Mr Ames Tea To make your Brew Monday truly special, why not celebrate with a locally sourced brew? Mr Ames Tea, a Tonbridge based supplier, offers an exquisite range of loose-leaf teas and biodegradable tea bags. From classic English Breakfast to adventurous blends like Spiced Chai and Moroccan Mint, there’s a tea for every taste. By choosing Mr Ames Tea, you’re not just enjoying a high-quality brew; you’re also supporting a local business that prioritises sustainability and ethical sourcing. It’s a perfect match for the spirit of Brew Monday. A Cosy Setting: Nancy’s Tea Room If you prefer to step out and enjoy your tea in a charming setting, Nancy’s Tea Room on Lamberts’ Yard offers the perfect retreat. Known for its warm atmosphere and delicious offerings, Nancy’s provides a range of vegan and gluten-free treats to accompany your tea. Whether you visit with friends or meet someone new, it’s a delightful way to embrace the Brew Monday ethos. How to Take Part in Brew Monday A Simple Act with a Big Impact In a world that often feels rushed and disconnected, Brew Monday reminds us to slow down and prioritise meaningful connections. Whether it’s a heartfelt conversation over tea or simply lending an ear, the gesture can have a profound impact on someone’s day — and yours too. So, this January, let’s turn Blue Monday into Brew Monday and spread warmth, one cup at a time.
Category: Drinks
Gin and Juice
Raise a Glass to Ginuary: Celebrating Kent’s Finest Gin Distillers As the festive glow of December fades, January brings with it the promise of fresh starts and new adventures. For gin lovers, it also marks the arrival of Ginuary — a month dedicated to celebrating all things gin. If you’re looking to embrace this spirited tradition, there’s no better place to start than in Kent, the “Garden of England,” home to some of the UK’s most innovative gin distillers. Among these are two standout producers: Greensand Ridge and Anno Distillers. Greensand Ridge Distillery: Sustainability in Every Sip Nestled in the heart of Kent, Greensand Ridge Distillery is a pioneer of sustainable distilling. Their ethos is simple: minimise environmental impact while crafting exceptional spirits. By using surplus produce from local farms, such as apples that would otherwise go to waste, Greensand Ridge creates gins that are as eco-friendly as they are delicious. Their signature London Dry Gin is a testament to the region’s natural bounty, infused with botanicals like cobnuts, gorse flowers, and hawthorn berries. Each sip offers a vibrant taste of Kent’s countryside, with a smooth finish that’s perfect for both classic gin and tonics or more adventurous cocktails. If you’re keen to learn more about their sustainable practices, Greensand Ridge also offers distillery tours and gin-making experiences, where you can craft your own bespoke gin under the guidance of their expert team. Anno Distillers: Science Meets Spirit Founded by two scientists with a shared passion for innovation, Anno Distillers brings a unique perspective to gin production. Based in Marden, this award-winning distillery combines traditional techniques with cutting-edge science to create gins that stand out from the crowd. Anno’s flagship 60% ABV gin, “Anno Extreme 60,” packs a punch while maintaining a delicate balance of botanicals, including samphire, hops, and elderflower. For those seeking something lighter, their Kent Dry Gin offers a crisp, citrus-forward profile that’s ideal for any occasion. One of Anno’s most remarkable achievements is their bespoke vacuum distillation process, which allows them to extract flavours at lower temperatures, preserving the delicate nuances of their carefully selected botanicals. Visitors to the distillery can enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at this innovative process during one of their interactive tours. Where to Find These Kentish Gems Both Greensand Ridge and Anno Distillers are committed to making their gins accessible to enthusiasts near and far. Their products are available online, in local shops, and at select bars and restaurants across Kent and beyond. For those eager to sample their offerings, keep an eye out for gin tastings and events hosted throughout the region during Ginuary. A Toast to Kent’s Gin Heritage Ginuary is the perfect excuse to explore the incredible craftsmanship of Kent’s gin distillers. Whether you’re drawn to Greensand Ridge’s eco-conscious creations or Anno’s scientific flair, there’s no shortage of inspiration to fill your glass. So, why not raise a toast to Kent this January and discover the distinctive flavours that make its gins truly unforgettable? Cheers to Ginuary!
Embracing Dry January
As the New Year rolls in, many people choose to take part in Dry January—a month-long challenge to abstain from alcohol and reset their drinking habits. But giving up alcohol doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice flavour or the joy of socialising. Across Kent, a growing number of independent businesses and pubs are stepping up to offer exceptional alcohol-free alternatives. Whether you’re looking for sophisticated mocktails, alcohol-free craft beers, or refreshing soft drinks, Kent has plenty to offer. Here are some of the best places to enjoy Dry January without missing out. 1. Wise Bartender (Online) This independent online retailer specialises in alcohol-free beverages, offering a vast selection of products from alcohol-free spirits to craft beers and wines. Wise Bartender makes it easy to explore new favourites from the comfort of your home. Their curated Dry January packs are perfect for those looking to stock up on delicious alternatives. 2. Fentimans Drinks (Stockists across Kent) Fentimans’ range of botanically brewed beverages is a fantastic choice for those seeking premium alcohol-free drinks. From the zesty ‘Rose Lemonade’ to the classic ‘Victorian Lemonade’ (my personal favourite), these drinks are widely available at independent shops, cafes, and pubs across Kent. Look for them in farm shops or alongside pub menus. 3. YE OLDE CHEQUERS INN (TONBRIDGE) This cosy Tonbridge pub takes Dry January seriously, offering an extensive menu of alcohol-free beers, ciders, spirits and soft drinks. The friendly atmosphere makes it a great spot for meeting friends or relaxing with a good book while enjoying a pint of non-alcoholic Guinness. 4. The Nelson Arms (Tonbridge) Consistently CAMRA award winning and known for their extensive selection of beers, The Nelson Arms also offers non-alcoholic options that don’t compromise on taste. Their alcohol-free craft beers are selected with the same care and attention to detail as their alcoholic counterparts, providing a satisfying alternative. 4. Verdigris (Tonbridge) Verdigris take their wine and cocktails as seriously as they do their food here, stocking a wide range of fine wines and spirits, while using only freshly squeezed juices and the best mixers. Their Virgin cocktail range is hands-down the best in Tonbridge, featuring everything from Nojito to a classic Shirley Temple. Why Support Independent Businesses During Dry January? Supporting local, independent businesses helps sustain Kent’s vibrant economy while encouraging innovation and diversity in the drinks market. By choosing independent retailers and pubs, you’re contributing to a community of passionate makers and entrepreneurs who value quality and sustainability. How to Make the Most of Dry January Celebrate Sobriety in Style Dry January doesn’t have to be a month of abstinence—it can be a celebration of flavour, health, and community. Kent’s independent businesses and pubs make it easy to embrace this challenge with delicious alcohol-free options. So, raise a glass (of alcohol-free fizz, of course) to a healthier, happier start to the year!
How low can you go?
Happy New Year to you all! I am grateful that we got to spend it out of the house this time around, even if half of people did have to cancel due to Covid-19 🙁 For those of us lucky enough to party the night away, how many of us said ‘I’m never drinking again!’ the following morning? I know a whole bunch off us fall into that category but rarely try and see it through. For a number of years now, I’ve taken part in Dry January. Getting though a full 31 days without wine is certainly a challenge but this time, I’ve managed to convince some friends to join me on the journey. Thankfully, the low and no-alcohol market has exploded in recent years but until recently it was hard to find these alternatives out and about in Tonbridge. Fear no more, Tonbridge has more alcohol-free options than you can shake a stick at! First up is the wonderful Beer Seller. They’re currently stocking: Adnams Ghost Ship 0.5% – which also happens to be vegan for all of those doing Veganuary! Athletic Brewing Co Run Wild IPA 0% To make things even more exciting, they’re getting in a whole bunch of alcohol-free spirits in too, so watch this space. Now I don’t know about you, but most alcohol-free wines I’ve tried over the years have been, quite frankly, DISGUSTING! Thankfully this has now changed with the arrival of Lyre’s sparkling wine at Verdigris. It is Prosecco-style, genuinely delicious and restores my faith in humanity. Verdigris are well known for their cocktails too and currently have three beauties available on the menu including: Gin Faux – with Seedlip, lemon and soda Three Hayes Spritz – Three Spirit Livener, grapefruit and soda Driver – with Aecorn Aromatic, orange and vanilla Their menu is constantly in development, so who knows what might pop up next?! Now we all know that the Camra award winning Nelson Arms is famous for its beer. Surely they don’t have any decent low/no-alcohol options too? I am happy to be proved wrong. Their selection is being constantly updated, but here’s some of what’s available at time of writing: Warsteiner Fresh 0% Sussex Best Low Alcohol 0.5% Erdinger 0.4% They also have a selection of alcohol-free spirits available too. Unfortunately, due to that darn virus, some people are stuck indoors for a time. This doesn’t mean you need to miss out on some tasty beverages! Tonbridge’s own Master of Malt has a cracking selection that you can get right to your door. There are way too many to list here, so feel free to check our their selection here. So now the challenge is to go and try it all! See you out there fellow challengers.