7 Lovely Tearooms and Cafés Near The Cottages

One of the things we love is having the tiny Yalding tearooms walking distance to us here (use the gate at the bottom of our garden). Great for a good cup of coffee, a homemade cake or a quick lunch. Guests often ask us where they can stop for breakfast, afternoon tea or something sweet, so we have gathered together some lovely local choices, some closer and some a tad further afield.

1. The Village Tearooms, Yalding

Our closest choice is Yalding's own Village Tearooms, tucked into the heart of the village beside the War Memorial. It is small, friendly and refreshingly unpretentious, serving barista coffee, teas, sandwiches, toasties, soup, baked potatoes and cakes.

This is the easiest place to wander to when you fancy a quiet coffee or light lunch without taking the car. It also gives you an excuse to explore Yalding's pretty High Street, medieval church and historic bridges.

2. Teapot Island Café & Bar, Yalding

We are delighted to see one of Yalding's best-known `attractions` open again. Set beside the River Medway at Yalding Lees, Teapot Island is a wonderfully quirky place, has just reopened and is finding its feet. Check opening times.

The previous owners displayed an enormous collection of teapots, some are still there. Prince Charles visited the collection in 2014.

3. Kenward Place Café, Yalding

Kenward Place is much more than somewhere to stop for coffee. Set within 15 acres of countryside, its welcoming café serves lunches, drinks and homemade treats, with lovely rural views and alpacas nearby. Entry to the grounds, café and gift shop is free, and dogs are welcome on leads.

If you want to make a day of it, you can book an alpaca walk, an alpaca and goat meet-and-greet, archery, disc golf or a beekeeping experience. There is also a children's play area and woodland to explore. Check timings as the cafe is not always open.

4. Waterside Café at Branbridges, East Peckham

The Waterside Café sits within Branbridges Leisure, beside the River Medway and surrounded by greenery. It is a relaxed spot for excellent breakfast, brunch or lunch. Lieven loves the full English while Lydia likes the avocado on toast.

We particularly like the waterside setting. It feels pleasantly tucked away, yet it is only a short drive from Yalding, and there is plenty of parking. It is also a useful choice for guests bringing a dog.

5. Where Memories Meet, Wateringbury

Where Memories Meet is a traditional tearoom with a wonderfully eccentric difference: downstairs you will find an antiques and vintage centre, complete with its own spring-fed well. The tearoom serves cakes, light meals and traditional afternoon teas, which are best booked in advance.

6. Boat & Bean, Wateringbury

Boat & Bean is the newer riverside coffee bar at Bow Bridge, in the spot where the Horsebox Bakery previously traded. Its position on the bank of the River Medway makes it an appealing stop for walkers, cyclists and anyone who enjoys coffee with a river view.

You can combine it with a stroll beside the Medway or through Wateringbury village. As a newer independent business, its opening arrangements may evolve, so it is sensible to check its latest social-media updates before setting out.

7. The Courtyard Café at Loddington Farm, Linton

Loddington Farm is a fifth-generation Kent farm, and its courtyard café is a lovely rural destination for breakfast, lunch, coffee and cake. The peaceful farm setting gives it a very different feel from a town-centre café.

Allow time to look around the farm shop too, where the focus is firmly on local produce. It is an easy place to combine good food with a drive through the orchards and lanes around Linton.