CANTERBURY HOT SPOTS
By Carolina Bax, barrister at 42BR Barristers, London
The first time I ever went to Canterbury, for court, I left the town well over 4 hours after my hearing had ended. On arrival into the city, I’d jumped straight into a cab, to the Magistrates’ Court, after my train had been delayed. So I hadn’t seen very much of the place at all, the way one normally does when walking to court. It was, therefore, with genuine excitement that, as I left the court building, I noticed the walls surrounding the old town and their quaint arched entries. I ended up spending a very happy afternoon down the King’s Mile…. well…. spending.
These days it’s no overstatement to say that I’m delighted when my court listing arrives at 4pm confirming I am in Canterbury the next day, as it means I have an amble and some shopping to look forward to afterwards – if I have nothing pressing on! In the spirit of hoping to pass on my enthusiasm for its local offerings to other lawyers (and non lawyers), whether they are free to amble or need uplifting after a tough day, I’ve compiled a list of my favourites.
Where to eat
Goods Shed
It is totally heartbreaking to have a Monday listing in Canterbury, because it rules out the Goods Shed being open. It’s a fabulous farmers’ market but has a lot more to offer than just fruit and vegetables – a restaurant, a good butchers, a cheesemongers, a great deli-style counter selling glossy olives, pots of artichokes and homemade pesto, and my favourite – a stall headed by a delightful gentleman, specialising in cheeses and cold cuts, where I often head for a luxury train lunch, or goodies to take home. I recommend the truffle Pecorino and their speck, and taking in their offering of French crisps!
Veg Box Cafe
My go-to for lunch, a short walk from the Magistrates’ court. It’s a colourful space with kind staff and fun posters about vegetarianism, the benefits of beans, and all manner of veg-focused paintings. Their food is reasonable and healthy, but above all, tasty and made from scratch. The menu, which has lots of offerings, varies – but you can expect wholesome soups, farinata, homemade bakes, and great salads. You even get to enjoy a bake on the house if leaving a review.
Paxton and Whitfield
High-quality cheese in a gorgeous shop – what’s not to love? The staff here are a joy, and always happy to guide you if you have a cheese selection in mind or you just (like me) want a nice goat’s cheese to enjoy, once home. It’s also very close to Madame Oiseau, a thrilling chocolate-box shop making delicious artisan chocolates.
Second-hand shopping
Canterbury has an excellent selection of charity shops and I’ve found some real gems there, including recently published books, beautiful brand new sheets, and gifts for friends. As with any charity shop, the fun of the browse lies in its unpredictability and your luck on the day! My top picks are the following:
⁃ Pilgrims Hospices
⁃ British Red Cross
⁃ RSPCA East Kent
I often hunt out books in charity shops but my favourite second hand bookshop is easily Burgate Books, which has a great selection for every genre and can include some real finds, such as heavy Phaidons, foreign language literature, and, often, recent non-fiction. I really enjoy going here as feel there’s always a good variety, but I would also recommend the ‘Crooked House’ bookshop, past the Cathedral, on the way to the station. Whilst smaller and including much more fiction, it’s fun to browse and of course has a unique-looking entrance.
I would also recommend, for the vintage clothes magpies like myself, where you can find all sorts from 70s disco-wear to 80s jumpsuits to (horrifyingly, for those who like me remember begging their parents to buy them for parties….) ‘90s staples.
⁃ Retro Remix
⁃ Revivals
⁃ Superstore Vintage
Household items and miscellaneous
I adore Wrapped! – a gift shop with a beautiful selection of cards, calendars and candles, but also plants and trinkets. They often have reductions, and they also have some nice Canterbury souvenirs if you’re looking to get a gift. I’ve bought many a stocking filler here!
There’s also something for everyone in the very cosy Rock Paper Scissors, full of handmade items, from mugs to mittens.
A great option for gifts for tiny friends is Whirligig, an old-school toyshop full of wooden train sets, intricate puzzles, and Jellycats galore.
Turn off the lights is a charming candle shop, which has even been featured in Vogue. Browse around their selection or book yourself in to make your very own, at one of their workshops.
And finally – if you’re feeling like you REALLY need a pick-me-up…. I love a window gaze at the stunning Fitzgerald Jewellers. Who’s to say I won’t be buying myself a treat emerald next time I go by…. (I won’t but it’s nice to dream. My other favourite place to do this is Bentley & Skinner in Piccadilly, next to the Royal Academy).
