Taking tea in Tenterden

On the farm and on the high street

Before visiting the beautiful boutiques and shops in the wide tree-lined high street in Tenterden, start off your day with breakfast at The Lemon Tree. The Wealden Hall House its contained in dates from around 1470 and was visited by Henry VIII when he called in at Smallhythe docks to see the building of his ship ‘Grande Mistresse’. A Tudor Rose carved in the building’s main beam in his honour can still be seen.

Now it hosts to The Lemon Tree who conjures up great British comfort food. The wide range of English breakfasts feature great ‘bangers’ from local Park Farm butchers, while 21^st century classics such as Avocado Smash with poached eggs or Eggs Benedict, have heralded a new era of healthy eating and gluten free options.

This much photographed timber framed building with its famous hanging baskets has an indulgent home-made lunch menu, ranging from probably the best Welsh Rarebit in Kent, to a daily Roast, or Sussex Haddock Smokies. Handmade Quiches, home cured Sugar Roasted Ham, free range eggs, and chips can be washed down with local beers, ciders, and wines.

When next you visit the exclusive boutiques on Tenterden’s high street, be sure to make time for The Lemon Tree, you won’t be disappointed.

www.lemontreetenterden.co.uk

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With your shopping done and you heading home, stop for a light lunch at Silcocks Farm Shop and Tearoom. Silcocks, an organic working farm, is located just outside Tenterden (at the junction of Grange Road and Reader’s Bridge Road). The café and tearoom have an excellent choice of breakfasts, sandwiches, cream teas, and refreshments. They serve locally sourced ingredients, as well as their own organically reared meat, milk, cream, butter, cheese, and ice cream produced from their dairy herd.

The farm is surrounded by countless cycling routes and walking trails, providing picturesque scenery and an opportunity to catch sight of the farm animals grazing in nearby pastures. Dogs are welcome to accompany their owners in the café courtyard as well as the heated outbuilding, which is particularly good during the winter months.