Established in the twelfth century and named after the town’s beautiful old seven oak trees, Sevenoaks nestles in the North Downs in Western Kent, about 20 miles south of London. Originally a small settlement, Sevenoaks grew up around historic mansion Knole House, which was established in the 1450s, and later in the eighteenth century became a communications hub when the one of the earlier turnpikes was opened.
The town has built up a vibrant mix of independent shops, cafés, gourmet restaurants and traditional pubs offering food and drink from around the world, including the Oak Tree: a contemporary take on the British chop house; The Vine Restaurant: offering contemporary food; and Raffertys Food: a café promising simple, fresh food.
Bligh’s Saturday market hosts arts and crafts stalls and, with the help of the Town Council, local producers are currently developing the site into a Farmers’ Market with locally produced wines, cakes, fudges and more. The inaugural three day Sevenoaks Food and Drink Festival, meanwhile, took place for the first time in May 2015 at the Vine Gardens with a street food dining area, beer festival and live music.
