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Escape from the biting winter weather by ducking into one of Kent’s cosy cafes for an hour or two.
These five coffee shops have received top ratings from visitors and offer a snug spot where you can treat yourself to a hot drink and watch the world go by.
CASA DA CLAUDIA: Named after its owner, Casa Da Claudia is a rustic cafe with a Portuguese twist. Located just off the High Street in Tunbridge Wells, the homey interior is warm and welcoming, and visitors can enjoy everything from full English breakfasts and paninis to Compal (a Portuguese fruit juice) and balo do caco (Madeiran flatbreads).
Details: 5 Castle Street in Tunbridge Wells. Open Tuesday to Saturday, 8am to 4pm, and Sunday 9am to 3pm.
THE CORNER CAFE: If you’re visiting Deal Castle for the day, this cafe is just a short walk away and makes for a great pitstop. There’s an extensive menu of hot drinks, sandwiches and homemade cakes, not to mention a fascinating array of antiques and quirky trinkets on display.
Details: 31 Dover Road in Walmer, near Deal. Open Tuesday to Sunday, 8am to 4pm. Closed on Mondays.
THE HOME FRONT TEA ROOM: Soak up the Blitz spirit with a visit to this 1940s-inspired tea room in Ramsgate. There’s vintage decor, friendly staff and a retro menu of spam and pickle sandwiches and ginger beer. One visitor also recommended the ‘builders tea’ if you just fancy a good, old-fashioned cuppa.
Details: 3A Kings Street in Ramsgate. Open Monday to Friday, 10.30am to 4pm, and 10am to 4pm on Saturday. Closed on Sundays.
NIKKI D’S: If you want a no-frills breakfast without any fuss, you can stop off at Nikki D’s at the entrance to Romney Meadows Caravan and Camping Site in Lydd. This is where you’ll find large English breakfasts, bacon and egg baguettes and beans on toast, as well as milkshakes and hot chocolates for the kids. It’s dog friendly too, so the whole family can visit.
Details: Romney Meadows Caravan and Camping Site on Lydd Road, near Romney Marsh. Open Monday to Sunday, 8am to 3pm.
PHOEBES: With a warm welcome from owners Lesley and Stuart and a good distance from the hustle and bustle of Canterbury’s city centre, this cafe is a great place to unwind after work or shopping. There’s a menu serving everything from light bites and coffee to afternoon teas, and there’s a pretty courtyard garden for when the weather gets warmer.
Details: 56 Ivy Lane in Canterbury. Open Tuesday to Friday, 9am to 3pm, Saturday 9am to 2pm and Monday 10am to 3pm. Closed on Sundays.