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: National Food and Drink Days
Enjoy Veganuary: Exploring West Kent’s Vegan-Friendly Scene
January marks the start of Veganuary, a month-long celebration encouraging people to embrace a plant-based lifestyle. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just curious to explore new culinary horizons, the local area offers a variety of vegan-friendly restaurants and ethical producers to make your Veganuary journey both delicious and meaningful. Vegan Dining The Ivy, Tunbridge Wells Located in the heart of Tunbridge Wells, The Ivy offers a sophisticated dining experience with an array of vegan options. Their carefully crafted menu includes dishes like roasted butternut squash with grains, pumpkin seeds, and pomegranate, alongside indulgent desserts such as a rich chocolate bombe with a dairy-free twist. The elegant setting makes it a perfect spot for a special Veganuary treat. The Humphrey Bean, Tonbridge Bet you thought I’d never feature Spoons on here, but it’s got a surprisingly good vegan selection! For breakfast, you can order a plant-based full English featuring Quorn sausages, beans, mushrooms, hash browns, and toast with vegan spread. There’s also a vegan sausage butty, vegan beans on toast, smashed avocado muffin, and fresh fruit. If you’re ordering lunch or dinner, you can get a vegan roasted vegetable pizza, a Beyond Burger, ramen noodle, bowl, Mediterranean salad, chilli bean non-carne, and Mangalorean roasted cauliflower & spinach curry. The chips are also suitable for vegans. Zorba Meze Grill, Tunbridge Wells For a Mediterranean twist, Zorba Meze Grill in Sevenoaks offers an array of vegan meze dishes. Think falafel, hummus, stuffed vine leaves, and vibrant salads, all bursting with flavour. The relaxed, welcoming atmosphere makes it a great choice for a casual meal with friends or family. Producers to Support Rebel Kitchen Based in Lordswood, Rebel Kitchen is a pioneer in plant-based drinks and dairy alternatives. Their organic coconut-based milk and cream products are perfect for cooking, baking, or simply enjoying with your morning coffee. With a strong commitment to sustainability and ethical sourcing, Rebel Kitchen exemplifies the values of Veganuary. Tonbridge Farmers’ Market Held monthly on Sovereign Way, Tonbridge Farmers’ Market showcases a variety of local ethical producers. From artisan vegan cheeses and cruelty-free skincare to plant-based street food, the market offers a fantastic opportunity to discover new favourites while supporting small businesses. Local Organic Veg Box Schemes West Kent is home to several organic veg box schemes that provide fresh, seasonal produce straight to your door. Companies like Bore Place and Haywards Farmshop deliver high-quality fruit and vegetables, helping you create delicious vegan meals while reducing food miles and supporting local farmers. Tips for a Successful Veganuary A Month to Remember Veganuary is more than just a dietary challenge; it’s an opportunity to explore new flavours, support ethical producers, and make a positive impact on the planet. With its vibrant mix of vegan-friendly restaurants and passionate local businesses, West Kent is the perfect place to start your journey. So, why not give it a go this January and see where the plant-based path takes you? Happy Veganuary!
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!
The Heat is On
January 16th is International Hot and Spicy Day! International Hot and Spicy Day is a wonderful moment for those of us that have a constant hankering for the spicy tingle of chilli at the root of our tongue. If you’re feeling that way this year in Tonbridge, then we’ve got some good news: there are plenty of spots for you to get your craving satisfied! I’m going to mention a couple of spots that I love here. If you’ve got a personal favourite then don’t be afraid to comment below! I love hearing from you, especially about your favoured local spots. Gaab Kao Gaab Kao is one of the amazing eateries in Tonbridge, and after eating there I’m sure that you’ll see why. If you haven’t tried it out before, we have only one question: why not? The food is always served piping hot and in perfectly generous portions, spiced and seasoned to perfection, with perfectly sized and formed side dishes. On that note, I would certainly recommend the Pad Khing, stir-fried with ginger, onion, black bean and chillies, if you’re popping in on International Hot and Spicy Day – they’re a wonderfully balanced medium that I’m sure most people will enjoy. Gaab Kao serves Thai food to an exceptionally high standard. The food is amazing, as is the ambiance within the restaurant – impeccably clean and blessedly relaxed, it’s a wonderful place to enjoy some wonderful food. The International Shop The International Shop (41 High Street) is a wonderful place to head for if you’re looking to create your own hot feast on this year’s spiciest day. They boast wonderful ingredients for cuisines from all around the world, from Indian to Japanese, and every cuisine in between, with a few more to spare! I adore the fact that as well as international ingredients that you might struggle to get in the usual local supermarkets, they also stock wonderfully high-quality fresh fruit and veg. There’s something about fresh produce from a smaller supplier that’s simply wonderful, and I be first in line to commend this produce. This store has a number of dried and ground spices that have been imported from some of the best facilities in the world for you to use in your home cooking. As well as that, though, it also hosts simpler options, such as jarred sauces and meal kits, which might be perfect for someone who’s a little less confident in the kitchen. Turmeric Gold This incredible spot is just a short drive to Tudeley from the centre of town. We love everything on the menu, but we especially love how the chefs have made Indian cuisine into a fine art without being overly pretentious. Something which certainly stands out from the menu is the Tandoori Salmon Tikka. The entire menu is packed with dishes like this – classic favorites, with an interesting and wonderfully tasty twist. If you’re ever at a loss for where to eat around Tonbridge, this place should be at the top of your list – though you might need to book a table first! These are only a few of the amazing places you could eat on International Hot and Spicy Day in Tonbridge, though they’re certainly our favorites. Take a look online, and see if they can fit you in!