Read all about it! Local news you need to know

GO SEE: South Quay Shed, Whitstable

Following the devastating fire that happened just a few days after their opening, South Quay Shed in Whitstable has bounced back! Make sure you show your support after their rocky start and say hello to their incredible traders from food producers Sooshi Sushi, Rad Burger, Dunk Cookies, coffee roasters Lost Sheep Coffee and secondhand clothing boutique Rewear and lifestyle store Wit of Whitstable. See ya there!

CULTURE: Doctor Faustus, The Malthouse Theatre, Fri 24 & Sat 25 June

Calling all culture vultures! Acting royalty Dominic West is coming to Canterbury for two performances on Fri 24 and Sat 25 June as he plays Doctor Faustus, in Christopher Marlowe’s dark tale of a man who sells his soul to the devil. Yup just two shows only at The Malthouse Theatre, he’ll also be joined by city legend Ben Roddy – the tickets are going to sell out VERY quickly for this intimate venue so step to it!

BOOK NOW: Blue Reef Fest, Maidstone, Fri 15 – Sun 17 July

Now in its second year, Blue Reef Fest promises to be bigger and better! Now spread over 2 days on Loddington Farm in Maidstone, enjoy live music, good food, stalls from talented artists and makers plus classic and custom VW camper vans, motorcycles, scooters and much more. Expect rocking bands to mellow acoustic sets split over 2 stages so no matter what your vibe is, they’ll be something for you! Plus Muddy faves Vintage Vinyl Brother’s will also be playing classic dance tracks until 1am so you can party all night long too!

NOW OPEN: Lenleys, Maidstone

Picture is subject to final planning approval

It’s brand spankin’ new and now open! Are you after an interior refresh? Then we’d recommend heading to Kent’s brilliant – and long-standing- independent department store Lenleys and they’ve JUST opened their second store in Maidstone. Pictured is their proposed image of the new store entrance, this is phase 2 of the development and is still under planning! Lenleys has everything you need to furnish your home, literally from top to bottom so head here for a snoop asap!

SUMMER SORTED: Dreamland, Margate

The summer season has well and truly begun now that the seaside’s entertainment sensation Dreamland is now open! Enjoy their fantastic line-up of vintage amusement park rides not forgetting their most popular attractions; The Scenic Railway and Big Wheel plus interactive Instagrammable installations and an eclectic range of food and drink for all tastes – there’s something for all the family! Dreamland is free to enter and rides are operated on a pay-per-ride basis so soak up the atmosphere and take a look around.

BOTTOMS UP: An Evening with the Winemaker, Balfour Winery, Sat 23 July

Join the prestigious Balfour Winery for an evening of wine tasting and canapés with Balfour Winemaker Owen Elias. Joined by producers Leslie and Richard Balfour-Lynn, this will be a rare opportunity to taste the full collection, including their latest wines from the 2022 Winemaker’s Collection. Owen will take you through the three new wines alongside specially prepared canapés. £35 a head, 7-10pm.

BOOK NOW: Ibizan Bottomless Brunch, Cave Hotel, Canterbury, Sat 16 July

Valentina Occasions, the immersive dining event and private dining pods company are coming to our fave luxury hotel Cave in Canterbury. Don’t miss their immersive Ibizan Secret Garden Brunch, expect tropical palms and faux florals, where you’ll enjoy a 2 course brunch with bottomless Prosecco for 2 hours. Plus a live performance with sax player, Robyn Taylor who’s best known for her glitter costumes and party vibe. 12-4pm and the dress code is GLAM. Be quick!

FOODIES: Macknade, Folkestone Harbour Arm

Hot off the press! Our favourite food hall in Kent is coming to Folkestone Harbour Arm VERY soon! Winners of Best Deli / Farm Shop in Kent by you in the Muddy Awards 2021, Macknade is a food lovers’ haven with dining destinations already in Faversham, Ashford, Tunbridge Wells and now they’re expanding to Folkestone. More info coming soon!

FASHION: Victoria Geneviève ‘Style Party’, One Warwick Park, Tunbridge Wells

The ultimate corporate party idea or girlie morning/afternoon/evening is here! What could be better than holding a Style Party at the Victoria Geneviève Personal Styling Suite at the stylish One Warwick Park in Tunbridge Wells? Enjoy a style talk by the fabulous Victoria with 1-1 time discussing how you could be maximising your wardrobe, complimentary drinks and snacks plus exclusive discounts on any further bookings with Victoria. On the day there will be a fabulous selection of items to purchase if you wish, all completely tailored to your party. Prices start from £55pp. Want in? Email Victoria now to book.

RELAUNCH: Faith In Strangers, Margate

One of Margate’s famous old hang out spots has been reborn into a cool bar and soon-to-be restaurant but it doesn’t just have impressive sea views, oh no! Faith In Strangers is also a combined music and arts venue and shared community space with guest chefs, live music, pop-ups more! This summer they are set to welcome Mafalda, Coco Maria, Charlie Bones and DJ legends DJ Paulette, Colleen ‘Cosmo’ Murphy, Bill Brewster, Ashley Beedle, Luke Una and George Fitzgerald. Book your tickets here. You won’t want to miss this.

COMEDY: Folkestone Funny Fest, Fri 9 – Sat 10 Sept

Get ready to laugh-out-loud at the Folkestone Funny Fest this September which is bringing together some of the finest comedians to perform live at The Goods Yard on Folkestone Harbour Arm. 10 fantastic comedians will take to the stage for two nights of entertainment unlike anything they’ve ever hosted before. Headlining is Ed Byrne (pictured), Simon Brodkin, Andrew Maxwell, Zoe Lyons and Rob Deering. The Goods Yard is also home to an electric mix of food and drink vendors, offering everything from craft beers and cocktails, tacos and mussels, wood-fired pizza and surf’n’turf bugers so you’ll be well looked after to have an amazing night of fun! Performances are 7-10pm. Tickets from £23.72

QUIRKY: Nothing-On-Sing-Along, The Green Duck, Tunbridge Wells, Fri 2 Sep

Enjoy a traditional sing along while you dine with a twist – you don’t wear any clothes! And neither does the pianist. Yup that’s right, it’s a cockney sing-along in the buff. Held at The Green Duck Coffee House & Bar in Tunbridge Wells with the East Sussex Naturists who have been organising events such as country walks, yoga, sporting activities for years and now a sing-along venture. Sing along to old music hall to cockney favourites, current pop and West End hits. Tickets are £22.50 which includes an antipasti meat, cheese or vegan board per person. Night with a difference anyone?

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