Nestled at the foot of the North Downs is the charming and historic village of Charing. Once the main route to Ashford before the A20 was built, Charing High Street boasted a forge, wheelwrights, several inns and many shops. Whilst the need for horse-drawn traffic to be catered for has gone, there are many great reasons to pay Charing a visit:
- This is one of few villages that can offer 2 butchers sourcing local meat and game, with fish also available;
- a Post Office;
- florist-gift shop, with weddings a speciality;
- art gallery stocking mainly Kentish made jewellery, pottery and glass as well as paintings,
- and a gift and small furniture shop also selling antiques.
- The 2 grocers offer a wealth of fresh food, store cupboard essentials and a range of extras from picture hooks to garden seeds.
- If it’s a new wooden floor you need or an Estate Agent, you’ll find these in Charing too!
As you wander down the High Street, look out for the wall plaques describing the old buildings and remember to take a look at the Archbishop’s Palace in Market Place, visited by both King Henry VII and Henry VIII (who was a frequent visitor to the village). If you drop by on a Thursday morning, try the Country Market in the Church Barn, which sells home-made pastries, jams and knitwear as well as home-grown vegetables and plants.
Charing was an early example of a sustainable community, with the abattoir (where the well-stocked library now stands) supplying tallow to the candle factory next door, which in turn produced candles for the work house opposite.
No shopping or sightseeing is complete without a snack or something more. Try Olivers for delicious
home-made light meals and coffee, or The Oak for its imaginative lunchtime and evening menus. Recently refurbished, The Oak also offers a well-stocked bar and guest accommodation. The cosy, intimate atmosphere of Ziggys Wine Bar & Brasserie is just the place to try the recipes Ziggy has gathered on her world travels.
Visit soon for Great Ideas for Mothers Day and More!!
(By Elizabeth Tweed of "44" for Charing Business Association)
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