Kent


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-lowdown">THE LOWDOWN</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/chiddingstone-stores-and-cafe-4.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-116354" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/chiddingstone-stores-and-cafe-4.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/chiddingstone-stores-and-cafe-4-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/chiddingstone-stores-and-cafe-4-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/chiddingstone-stores-and-cafe-4-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/chiddingstone-stores-and-cafe-4-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p><a href="https://www.chiddingstonestores.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chiddingstone Stores &amp; Café</a> is the kind of place that makes you glad you took the detour. An independent, family-run café and shop set in one of England’s prettiest Tudor villages, what could be better than this? Whether you’re here for brunch, coffee and cake, or to poke around the UK&#8217;s oldest working shop, it’s worth the trip!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-location">THE LOCATION</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/chiddingstone-stores-and-cafe-2.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-116352" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/chiddingstone-stores-and-cafe-2.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/chiddingstone-stores-and-cafe-2-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/chiddingstone-stores-and-cafe-2-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/chiddingstone-stores-and-cafe-2-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/chiddingstone-stores-and-cafe-2-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Right in the heart of Chiddingstone &#8211; a village that looks like it’s stepped straight out of a period drama &#8211; is where you&#8217;ll find Chiddingstone Café &amp; Store. Considered one of the most picturesque Tudor villages in the country, with timber-framed buildings dating back to the 15th century and countryside walks on the doorstep, it’s the perfect setting for a leisurely outing.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1110" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/chiddingstone-stores-and-cafe-14.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-116364" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/chiddingstone-stores-and-cafe-14.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/chiddingstone-stores-and-cafe-14-800x592.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/chiddingstone-stores-and-cafe-14-1000x740.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/chiddingstone-stores-and-cafe-14-400x296.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/chiddingstone-stores-and-cafe-14-768x568.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Just a few steps away is Chiddingstone Castle with its eclectic collections and grounds, and the beautiful St Mary’s Church, adding even more heritage to the backdrop. The village is also a well-loved stop on popular cycling routes through the Kent countryside, making the café a perfect refuel spot whether you’re on two wheels or two feet.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-vibe">THE VIBE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/chiddingstone-stores-and-cafe-5.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-116355" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/chiddingstone-stores-and-cafe-5.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/chiddingstone-stores-and-cafe-5-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/chiddingstone-stores-and-cafe-5-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/chiddingstone-stores-and-cafe-5-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/chiddingstone-stores-and-cafe-5-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Warm, rustic, and utterly charming. You&#8217;ll find the café in a converted coach house with a choice of courtyard or garden seating. Once owned by Sir Thomas Bullen (yes, Anne Boleyn’s dad). This isn’t just a café, it’s a slice of living history.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/chiddingstone-stores-and-cafe-7.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-116357" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/chiddingstone-stores-and-cafe-7.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/chiddingstone-stores-and-cafe-7-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/chiddingstone-stores-and-cafe-7-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/chiddingstone-stores-and-cafe-7-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/chiddingstone-stores-and-cafe-7-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Inside, the café has a cosy feel with the exposed brick. You&#8217;ll find the wood-burning stove blazing away for winter days, while outside you can choose between a sunny courtyard or a garden terrace. It’s a very relaxed setting.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/chiddingstone-stores-and-cafe-6.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-116356" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/chiddingstone-stores-and-cafe-6.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/chiddingstone-stores-and-cafe-6-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/chiddingstone-stores-and-cafe-6-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/chiddingstone-stores-and-cafe-6-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/chiddingstone-stores-and-cafe-6-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>The mix of locals, day-trippers, and walkers (plus a few dogs under the tables) gives the place a buzz. You could linger here for hours.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scoff-amp-quaff">SCOFF &amp; QUAFF</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/chiddingstone-stores-and-cafe-8.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-116358" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/chiddingstone-stores-and-cafe-8.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/chiddingstone-stores-and-cafe-8-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/chiddingstone-stores-and-cafe-8-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/chiddingstone-stores-and-cafe-8-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/chiddingstone-stores-and-cafe-8-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>We went in for brunch and were not disappointed! We ordered ice lattes, the gluten-free American pancakes which were a 3-stack of fluffy pancakes topped with banana, berries and a good swirl of Nutella. Plus the smashed avocado on sourdough laced with lemon and corinador, poached egg, mild Aleppo chili on a bed of rocket. Fresh and zingy!</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1928" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/chiddingstone-stores-and-cafe-9.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-116359" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/chiddingstone-stores-and-cafe-9.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/chiddingstone-stores-and-cafe-9-622x800.jpg 622w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/chiddingstone-stores-and-cafe-9-778x1000.jpg 778w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/chiddingstone-stores-and-cafe-9-311x400.jpg 311w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/chiddingstone-stores-and-cafe-9-768x987.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/chiddingstone-stores-and-cafe-9-1195x1536.jpg 1195w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Breakfast is served daily between 9:30am and 12pm, with plenty of choice: hearty crusty rolls stuffed with bacon, sausage, or eggs, spiced shakshuka, indulgent eggs Benedict, and a proper Full English (plus veggie options). If you’re after something lighter, there’s sourdough toast with mushrooms, eggs, or smashed avo, and you can even build your own plate from all the trimmings. Everything is cooked to order, with local, free-range ingredients.</p>



<p>One of the things that sets Chiddingstone Café apart is just how much is done in-house. The team make everything from scratch &#8211; a rarity these days! The bacon and sausages are all free-range and higher welfare, with sausage meat that also happens to be gluten free. Even the pastry gets special treatment: the quiches are baked with gluten-free pastry and they&#8217;ve recently invested in a laminating machine so the puff pastry for twists and pasteis de nata is handmade with butter. It’s this attention to detail that makes the menu feel both simple and properly special.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/chiddingstone-stores-and-cafe-10.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-116360" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/chiddingstone-stores-and-cafe-10.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/chiddingstone-stores-and-cafe-10-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/chiddingstone-stores-and-cafe-10-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/chiddingstone-stores-and-cafe-10-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/chiddingstone-stores-and-cafe-10-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>From 12pm to 3:30pm, the menu switches to lunch. Expect café favourites done well: toasties (think tuna melt or double cheese and tomato), the &#8216;serious sausage roll&#8217;, goat’s cheese salad, quiche of the day, bruschetta (choose tomato, pea &amp; garlic or roasted mixed pepper &amp; olive), and even a breakfast crusty roll if you’re still in morning mode.</p>



<p>Brunch isn&#8217;t complete without cake! You&#8217;ll always find a tempting selection of cakes and traybakes here which are freshly baked in the kitchen each day. We went for a classic Victoria Sponge which was light and fluffy finished with fresh cream and strawberries. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-shop">THE SHOP</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/chiddingstone-stores-and-cafe-11.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-116361" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/chiddingstone-stores-and-cafe-11.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/chiddingstone-stores-and-cafe-11-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/chiddingstone-stores-and-cafe-11-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/chiddingstone-stores-and-cafe-11-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/chiddingstone-stores-and-cafe-11-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Bellies full, saunter on down to the Shop (conveniently located next door). Dating back to 1453, it’s the oldest working shop in the country. Today, it stocks everything from local produce and homeware to gifts and cards, with a sweet counter that takes you straight back to childhood &#8211; buying “a quarter” (now 100g) of pick ’n’ mix classics. It’s half nostalgia trip, half convenience store, and worth a good rummage.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/chiddingstone-stores-and-cafe-12.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-116362" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/chiddingstone-stores-and-cafe-12.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/chiddingstone-stores-and-cafe-12-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/chiddingstone-stores-and-cafe-12-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/chiddingstone-stores-and-cafe-12-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/chiddingstone-stores-and-cafe-12-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>At the back, there’s also a handy farm shop-style section with pantry staples and a freezer stocked with COOK ready meals. It’s the sort of place you pop in for a browse and end up leaving with far more than you planned.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/chiddingstone-stores-and-cafe-13.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-116363" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/chiddingstone-stores-and-cafe-13.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/chiddingstone-stores-and-cafe-13-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/chiddingstone-stores-and-cafe-13-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/chiddingstone-stores-and-cafe-13-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/chiddingstone-stores-and-cafe-13-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>The perfect destination for a lazy weekend brunch, a countryside stroll, or a spot of gift shopping. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-muddy-verdict">THE MUDDY VERDICT</h2>



<p><strong>Good for:</strong> Long brunches, village wanders, and anyone who enjoys food with character in a setting to match.<br><strong>Not for:</strong> Those expecting a sprawling, 10-page brunch menu. This café keeps things simple and seasonal, with dishes full of flavor and coffee that draws people from near and far. </p>



<p><em>3 The Village, Chiddingstone, Kent TN8 7AH, <a href="https://www.chiddingstonestores.co.uk/">chiddingstonestores.co.uk</a>, <a href="mailto:mailto:hello@chiddingstonestores.co.uk">hello@chiddingstonestores.co.uk</a>, 01892 356575 </em></p>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-peckish-for-more">PECKISH FOR MORE?</h2>



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Time for tea! Chiddingstone Stores & Café Review

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