TOWNSPOTLIGHT
Chatham cont .
19,000 sailors from World War I and World War II who have no graves , there is a children ’ s play area , lovely cycle routes , beautiful nature walks , various organised events , a wildflower area , a football pitch and a useful visitor centre .
Buckmore Park
TOP SPOT
garlic and curry leaves ) and Kathmandu kukhura ( boneless chicken in an aromatic sauce with mashed aubergine , melon seeds , yoghurt and spices ).
Villagio Ristorante Describing itself as a modern Italian restaurant that is perfect for families , this is the restaurant to try when you want something authentic but different to the norm . Villagio Ristorante has its own large pizza oven , but there is definitely more on the menu than pizza – other delights include smoked salmon and mascarpone ravioli , penne pollo funghi ( pan fried chicken breast with mushrooms , red onions and broccoli in either a classic tomato or cream sauce ) and primavera ( a traditional Italian risotto with white wine , courgettes , green beans , peas , broccoli , roasted butternut squash , grana padano and fresh mint ).
Café Nucleus Café Nucleus is located just off Chatham ’ s main high street , but in its gloriously secluded setting you ’ d be forgiven for forgetting that the town is just a few steps away . With afternoon teas ( including champagne ), and as many ingredients as possible sourced from local farms , Café Nucleus is a haven of tranquillity .
We have seen many new circuits introduced into the Formula 1 programme . Some have character like Austin , Texas which includes the tarmac run off areas , the painted strips and the introduction of purpose built barriers to replace the tyre walls , which have been the main stay in motorsport .
Buckmore Park is no exception – it is a historic karting venue where the very best of F1 and Indy champions learn their skills , as well as being one of the most popular leisure and corporate karting venues in the UK . The decision was made to make Buckmore Park karting circuit even more special by updating it to look like a mini Grand Prix circuit .
The same contractor that carried out numerous Grand Prix track works , came to Buckmore to do the painted run-off strips following the extensive tarmacking works on the run-off areas . They also have purposebuilt British-made barriers fitted , all in the rebranded blue of the Team Surtees colours to reflect the new ownership .
The work was all completed in time for the British Championship races and the start of the peak summer season in June .
Buckmore Park has received great feedback from the racing , leisure and corporate competitors , not only from the point of view of the driving experience on the newly improved track but also the aesthetics .
Proceeding this , and following the takeover in April 2015 , the adult , junior and bambino kart fleet have all been renewed and updated to ensure all competitors have the best possible experience at Buckmore Park .
Kent therefore can boast not only having one of the most historic kart tracks in the world , but one of the most impressive and advanced karting circuits in the world .
Dockside Outlet Centre For those who love to shop , the Dockside Outlet Centre is the place to go when in Chatham . It ’ s also the place to go for those who love a bargain , since there is up to 60 percent off the usual retail prices in this fabulous outlet centre . Not only are there plenty of shops to enjoy ( including Marks & Spencer , The Works , The Gift Company and Discount Toy Warehouse ), but there are also some great restaurants too such as Nandos and Dean ’ s Diner .
DINING OUT
Gurkhas Brother The food served at Gurkhas Brother is known to be upmarket , fine dining Indian and Nepalese style . Everything is cooked to order in the restaurant , and as many of the ingredients as possible are sourced locally ( although some of the more exotic ones are imported , out of necessity !). The menu features familiar dishes as well as some lesser known ones including Gurkha fish curry ( tilapia fish cooked in a coconut sauce with mustard seeds , ginger ,
ANNUAL EVENTS
Fuse Medway Festival // June Fuse is an exciting annual event that includes death-defying circus performances , installation art , incredible shows , live music and much more . It all takes place out on the streets of Chatham and Rochester .
Chatham Maritime Food & Drink Festival // May With food and drink from award-winning local ( and not so local !) producers , the Chatham Maritime Food & Drink Festival is fast becoming one of the most looked forward to events on the calendar for producers and foodies alike .
Festival of Steam & Transport // March With a free steam funfair , street acts , performances , vintage locomotives and cars and stalls aplenty , it ’ s no wonder that the annual Festival of Steam & Transport is so well-loved and looked forward to .
TOP SPOT
The Historic Dockyard in Chatham is home to many and varied exhibitions and things to do . Here you can discover how ships were built , and learn about the history behind them . You can explore a real submarine and walk the streets where Call The Midwife – and many other productions – were filmed . You can find out how rope is made and why Chatham was such an important site .
DID YOU KNOW ?
TOP SPOT
Although Chatham Dockyard is famous for being in Chatham itself , two thirds of the site is actually located in Gillingham .
96