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From Mad Hatters afternoon tea to car park vegan brunches – 7 of the quirkiest cafes in Kent to sink your teeth into

There really isn't much that can't be solved by a decent cup of tea, a few pet pals and a game of Jenga, or so the saying roughly goes.

In these uncertain times it's important to take solace in the simple things in life, such as good company and even better brunch.

Afternoon tea is a treat at Alice and the Hatter
Afternoon tea is a treat at Alice and the Hatter

Thankfully, Kent has more than its fair share of quirky cafes for you to fill up your cup in.

From board game coffee shops and cat cafes, to vintage bus diners and mad hatter tea parties, there is truly something for everyone.

So whether your preference is greasy spoons with sea views or vegan cafes with car park landscapes, here's our pick of the bunch.

Alice and the Hatter, Herne Bay

Propping up our list of quirky cafes is this fairly new addition to the afternoon tea speciality in William Street, Herne Bay .

Alice and the Hatter is a quirky themed cafe in Herne Bay. Photo: Google
Alice and the Hatter is a quirky themed cafe in Herne Bay. Photo: Google

As you have probably gathered, Alice and the Hatter draws its inspiration from Lewis Carroll's fantasy novels Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and its sequel Through the Looking-Glass.

It boasts a brightly decorated tea room with colourful wall art, chequered floor, throne chairs, tea cup stools and, of course, a designated space for the "Queen of Hearts".

So why not grab a seat at the Hatter's Table and wolf "Down the Rabbit Hole", also known as an order of avocado, tomatoes and cheese on toast.

Bus Cafe, Margate

It wouldn't be Margate if it wasn't either vintage or boasting sea views right?

This double decker bus off the promenade enjoys both and has been converted into a mobile kitchen and cafe with room on top.

The Bus Cafe is a popular foodies' destination along the Margate seafront. Picture: Facebook/Bus Cafe
The Bus Cafe is a popular foodies' destination along the Margate seafront. Picture: Facebook/Bus Cafe

It's open Thursday to Sunday to serve up some of the freshest produce from local farms and suppliers.

Still not convinced? Its brunches have twice been crowned "UK Breakfast of the year" with its signature posh hash dish scooping the top accolade earlier this year.

Playopolis board game cafe, Rochester

When it comes to fun-filled eateries in Rochester this cafe in the Repro Centre virtually has a monopoly on the experience.

With more than 6,000 games to choose from there is little chance of getting bored as you enjoy Scrabble or Jenga over a warm brew.

Playopolis owners Daniel Nethersole and Rebekah Jordan enjoy a game with a brew. Picture: Martin Apps
Playopolis owners Daniel Nethersole and Rebekah Jordan enjoy a game with a brew. Picture: Martin Apps

New games are added every week and there's a whole range of beef and vegan burgers, hot dogs and loaded nachos to tuck into while you play.

Just be sure not to get any ketchup or mustard on your cards.

Steep Street Coffee House, Folkestone

The Steep Steep Street Coffee House is a licensed book cafe with a focus on quality gourmet, artisan coffee.

It's brightly coloured exterior blends in with the creative quarter in Folkestone and gives the shop its subtle but artistic flare.

Stephen Brothwell and Alice Larkin opened Steep Street Coffee House along the Old High Street in Folkestone. Picture: Gary Browne
Stephen Brothwell and Alice Larkin opened Steep Street Coffee House along the Old High Street in Folkestone. Picture: Gary Browne

And it's certainly full of beans inside too with shelves upon shelves of books and plenty of talks, recital and other workshops hosted by literary buffs.

So why not find a cosy spot, grab a page turner and lose yourself for a few hours with a warm brew?

Paw's Cat Cafe, Tonbridge

This cafe in Angel Walk is the perfect place to enjoy a cup of Yorkshire or Earl Grey with some feline friends.

There are scratch posts for the resident cats to enjoy as well as spaces for them to cosy up on the sofa.

Pensioners enjoy a brew with some feline friends at Paws Cat Cafe
Pensioners enjoy a brew with some feline friends at Paws Cat Cafe

Sharing some time with cats has been touted as great for your mental health and a slice of cake, or two, can't be too bad either.

The Tonbridge High Street cafe is also currently signed up to the Eat Out to Help Out scheme.

Beet Bar, Margate

Another entry for Margate on this list of quirky cafes is this hipster head-turning vegan haunt near the Old Town.

It's so trendy in fact it's almost impossible to put an exact marker on it when searching Google Maps.

Beet Bar is a hip vegan cafe in a car park. Picture: Facebook/Beet Bar
Beet Bar is a hip vegan cafe in a car park. Picture: Facebook/Beet Bar

That's because this popular vegan cafe is neatly tucked away in the corner of Market Street car park.

But don't let that put you off, for this casual setting is complemented by a range of scrumptious wraps, Buddha bowls and fresh smoothies.

The Vintage Empire Tea Rooms, Herne Bay

Jump back in time with a visit to this wartime tea room inspired by the art decor of 1940s' wartime Britain.

But don't worry, there is no rationing on the food front at this High Street shop in Herne Bay .

Enjoying a blast from the past setting but still back in time for tea at the Vintage Empire Tea Rooms in Herne Bay. Picture: Andy Payton
Enjoying a blast from the past setting but still back in time for tea at the Vintage Empire Tea Rooms in Herne Bay. Picture: Andy Payton

This tea room serves classic cakes, cream teas and other "Rishi's Dishes" as it is currently signed up to the Eat Out to Help Out scheme.

Staff are always dressed to impress and the music will be sure to cast you back to the good old days.

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