insideKENT Magazine Issue 20 - Sep/Oct 2013 | Page 107
© Explore Kent
After something slightly less substantial? You will spot a number of quaint coffee shops and cafés. Look out for Moonlight Café, Swan Café and Havishams Coffee House & Sandwich Bar. ANNUAL EVENTS Faversham Transport Weekend – Travel through time at Faversham's Transport Weekend – an annual event on which thousands descend on the town to celebrate the best in vintage vehicles. Last May, the weekend in its 17th year, was arguably the biggest yet. 400 vehicles attended, along with a funfair, traditional market stalls, live music and entertainment, vintage bus trips, a Punch and Judy show, and much more. Faversham Nautical Festival – The town's 2013 Nautical Festival — the second to date — was a true success this May. As boats line the creek, crowds can ponder the many stalls and exhibitions, enjoy the live music and indulge in the heaps of food on offer. Most importantly, there is a resounding support for the underlying cause of the festival: to raise awareness of Faversham’s historical, nautical heritage. Faversham Festival – Designed to celebrate local talent in the Faversham district, Faversham Festival is an annual event that marked its third year this June. From gigs and concerts to art, photography exhibitions and workshops, this neighbouring festival hosts a programme to suit a variety of tastes. Open House – The longest running of its kind in the country, Faversham's Open House scheme invites the general public to view and enjoy some of the stunning historic properties in and around Faversham over three Saturdays in July. In 2013, 25 properties opened their doors to visitors. Hop Festival – The town's biggest annual event, 25,000 people descend on Faversham's Hop Festival, held on the first weekend in September. The family-orientated festival commemorates the town's people and history; namely its golden era of hop growing. Each year there is music, a fair for the kids, steam train excursion and much more. Christmas Festivities – Christmas markets, crafts and a local Spot the Santa competition are just some of the activities on offer. The 2013 Faversham Christmas lights switch on will take place on 30th November, with carols in the marketplace on 23rd December.
TOP SPOT
Shepherd Neame Brewery Tours – Join in on a guided tour of Britain's oldest brewer, The Shepherd Neame Brewery. With an art-rich culture, Faversham has become ever-more popular amid the creative crowd. Head to Creek Creative, a collection of art and design studios with a vision to provide a productive and sustainable art and design community within the town centre. See pages 110-111 for Explore Kent's guide to the best walks in Faversham.
DINING OUT If you're looking to eat out in Faversham, indulging will certainly not be a problem. From fine dining to Chinese and Mexican-inspired cuisine, there is a wealth of establishments to suit all tastes. Amongst our favourites are: Reads Restaurant with Rooms – Reads is well known for its French-inspired menu of classic and seasonal dishes, cooked up by renowned chef, David Pitchford. Albion Taverna – Not only will yo