THE LOWDOWN

Chiddingstone Stores & Café (once known as The Tulip Tree) is a charming, family-run hub nestled in one of England’s most beautifully preserved Tudor villages. Open seven days a week with a friendly welcome that includes well-behaved dogs, it offers everything from hearty breakfasts, homemade lunches, delicious slabs of cake and great coffee. Next door is also the UK’s oldest working shop, it’s worth the trip!

THE LOCATION

This delightful spot sits in the heart of Chiddingstone, described by the National Trust as “the best example of a Tudor village left in the country”. Surrounded by red‑brick houses, oak beams, and the historic Castle Inn, the café and shop are a perfect stopping point for locals, visitors, and cyclists exploring the rolling Kent countryside.

THE SHOP

The Chiddingstone Stores & Post Office is one of the UK’s oldest working shops, with roots going back to 1453. Today, shelves brim with groceries, greeting cards, sweets, ice creams, and unique gifts and souvenirs – a slice of village tradition with a modern twist.

THE CAFE

The café serves up freshly baked goods and cooked-to-order dishes in a warm, welcoming space open from 9:30 am (9 am for cakes) to around 4:30 pm daily. Breakfasts (9:30 am–12 pm) include hearty crusty rolls, English breakfasts (meat or veggie), shakshuka, Eggs Benedict, and gluten‑free American pancakes made with locally sourced, high‑welfare ingredients. Lunches (12 pm–3:30 pm) feature toasties, quiches, homemade sausage rolls, salads, and a variety of bruschetta options – all baked and prepared onsite.  The cake counter has a tempting lineup including carrot cake, Victoria sponge, cheesecakes, brownies, scones (with clotted cream & jam), and traditional cream teas.