NFU Mutual: Summer Secret Finds
The team at NFU Mutual Ashford, Tenterden & Whitfield provide commercial insurance cover for many local Kent businesses – regardless of their size. So, who better to answer the question – what is the ONE summer find you really rate? Notebooks ready!
Our Kent Muddy Awards sponsor, NFU Mutual Ashford, Tenterden & Whitfield, are commercial insurance experts who pride themselves on loving local and supporting all those independent businesses that brighten up our day.
Which is why we asked the team at Ashford, Tenterden and Whitfield agency to each give us the one local legend that they can’t live without in summer time (because we’re nosey like that).
WHO? Tazmyn Marks, Senior Sales Executive
CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT? Westerham Brewery
WHY? This Kent craft beer is all made on site in their state-of-the-art brewery and includes really original flavours like Wally Winker’s Death by Chocolate or Steampunk, a California-style beer.’
‘There’s also a Tap Room with Live Music and Comedy Nights and food on offer with street food vendors dropping by – basically, it’s got everything! Best of all, they support the initiative to reduce food miles and 80 percent of the hops used are grown right here in Kent.’
WHO? Aidan, Development Executive
CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT? The Pullman, Folkstone
WHY: ‘The Pullman is one of the many hidden gems located in Folkestone, but by far my personal favourite. Owned by husband and wife team, Lucy and Ben Cuthbert, it’s a classic Kentish country pub, sitting in the middle of Folkestone’s busy town centre. Think rustic interiors, a roaring fire, cosy atmosphere, pub classics and a wide selection of of spirits and whiskies.’
‘Food is absolutely delicious and well presented. With recent updates to their garden area as well as their terrace seating area – it’s a great place to be when the sun is shining!’
WHO? Hazel Clements, Insurance Executive
CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT? Solley’s Ice Cream
WHY? ‘Solley’s Ice Cream is a wonderful family-run business that has been handed down through four generations and making ice cream for over 30 years. It’s actually the South East’s largest independent producer of real dairy ice cream with 85 per cent of the base ingredients sourced locally, right here in Kent.’
‘Best of all it’s delicious – with flavours from Honeycomb Crunch to Raspberry Eton Mess. You can visit the ice cream parlour, down near Deal and there’s loads of good walking and cycling rounds nearby, plus they offer a small campsite.’
WHO? Maisie Cox, Sales Supervisor
CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT? The Granary Spa, Ashford
WHY? ‘The Granary Spa is an organic and holistic spa, tucked away in Ashford. It’s in a beautiful converted Victorian granary, as part of the Godinton House Estate, so the setting is very rural. It’s not a marble and gloss kind of spa.’
‘There’s lots on offer from Organic Facials to Mini Spa Packages. The personal touch here, and low-key but still luxury feel, sets it apart. You will feel very looked after – it’s a spa with a heart.’
WHO? Darren Smith, Agent
CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT? Quex Park, Birchington
WHY? ‘Quex Park is a country estate in Thanet with many family-centered attractions like Quex Adventure Farm Park, adventure golf, paintball, archery and even shopping, cafés and a farm shop.’
“Events are seasonal and different all year round – including music festivals or family days out – so no two visits need be the same. It’s a brilliant space to have on our doorstep in Kent.’
WHO? Miranda, Sales Executive
CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT? Sheldon Spa, Sheldwich
WHY? ‘Sheldon Spa is an award-winning day spa, offering an indoor heated swimming pool and a beautiful selection of beauty and holistic treatments.
‘It’s tucked away near Faversham and a bit of a hidden gem. I’ve been a number of times and really rate this boutique secret find.’