Chiddingstone Stores & Cafe – a hidden gem in the heart of historic Kent

*This is a sponsored review in partnership with Chiddingstone Stores & Café. All opinions remain honest and unbiased* 

At the heart of the village is Chiddingstone Stores & Café – England’s oldest working shop and tearoom. Dating back to 1453, the uniquely historic spot has served the local community for almost 600 years. Previously known as Burghesh Court, it was once owned by politician and diplomat Sir Thomas Boleyn – Father of Queen Anne Boleyn.

Having been taken over by new proprietors in Spring 2024, I was kindly invited to visit last month to sample the menu and peruse the shop at this wonderful family-run establishment.

A homely café with fresh, quality, homemade food

The café itself is rustic and comforting, with wooden tables and a woodburner in the corner. There’s also a pretty courtyard and small garden terrace to sit in during the warmer months.

Serving breakfast, lunch, drinks, scones and a delightful array of cakes and traybakes, there’s plenty on offer, and the kitchen is absolutely at the heart of this small but perfectly formed tearoom. Upon arrival, guests are greeted by an impressive counter full of tempting freshly-baked items to choose from.

Run by husband and wife team, Daniel and Charlotte, the owners pride themselves on the high quality, fresh food served in the café. Each dish is made from scratch, cooked to order and created using high-end meat and local ingredients. Their sausages and sausage meat are free range, and their highest welfare outdoor reared bacon comes with a Royal Warrant, whilst they make their own all-butter puff pastry in house using an impressive laminating machine. They also offer a good selection of gluten free items, with their quiche pastry and the biscuits for the tiffin and cheesecakes all suitable for those who are gluten intolerant.

I visited mid-morning so upon arrival, studied their brilliant breakfast menu which is served from 9.30am – midday on weekdays. Ranging from classic English breakfast and breakfast baps, to pancake stacks and exotic Shakshuka, there is a wide range of options to choose from.

After spending a while salivating at the menu, I eventually selected their savoury American pancakes – three homemade, gluten free pancakes with two rashers of streaky bacon, one fried free-range egg and lashings of maple syrup. So indulgent! As it’s the season for it, I also ordered a pumpkin spice latté to accompany my epic breakfast.

My coffee and food both arrived well presented and surrounded by a comforting aroma. If I’m honest, I wouldn’t have thought of putting eggs on pancakes, but just as the saltiness of the bacon balanced out the sweetness of the pancakes and syrup, so did the perfectly cooked fried eggs. It was a generous portion but every mouthful was a real treat, with the textures and flavours blending so well together. The pancakes were light and fluffy, whilst the rashers of streaky bacon were well cooked and deliciously crispy. Equally, my pumpkin spice latté was full of the flavours of Autumn and warmingly delicious.

An Aladdin’s cave full of gifts and nostalgia

Feeling full and satisfied, I resisted the urge to sample a slice of one of the homemade cakes, (despite them looking so tempting!) and heading over to the village shop to discover what lay behind its magnificent Tudor facade.

Stepping inside, you’re immediately greeted by a beautifully presented display of gifts, toys and luxury items, with so much to take in. They also have a well-stocked Cook freezer for an easy yet tasty dinner, as well as a range of everyday groceries and homeware. From scarves, jewellery and candles, to Jellycats, jams and soaps; It’s clear that the owners spend a lot of time carefully curating the items to create a stunning shop full of hidden gems, much of which are from small, UK companies. It’s the ideal place for some special gifts at Christmas or discovering seasonal decor pieces throughout the year. The window always looks so inviting and perfectly presented!

One of the other big draws and most charming elements of the shop is their large, colourful traditional sweet counter which oozes nostalgia with every glass jar. From fried eggs to jelly babies; strawberry bonbons to fizzy cola bottles, just looking at their selection transports you back to your childhood.

I had a fabulous time exploring this lovely little corner of Kent and look forward to returning for most tasty meals and local gifts.

Find out more at – https://www.chiddingstonestores.co.uk/