Town Profile The building that now houses the National


Westminster Bank dates back to the 15th century. It has had many uses, such as a priory, pub, cafe and butchers, before becoming a bank around 20 years ago.


There are two main pubs in the village - The Red Lion, and Dog and Bear, which is also a hotel.


Sitting in the very middle of The Square is Chequer's Fish Bar and Café, which is open until 11pm seven days a week.


Lenham prides itself on its self-sufficiency. Even during the most severe of last winter's weather, the grocers, butchers and bakers remained open.


The well-established farmers' market is held in The


Square on the second Sunday of every month (9am to 1pm) and offers several stalls including meat, bread, cheese, seafood and fish, traditional Kentish cobnuts, local fruit and produce, plants, flowers, clothes, jewellery and gifts.


St. Mary's Church is over 900 years old and has eight bells in the tower. The oldest bell was made in 1592.


The village hall and community centre, built in the last


decade, is located a short walk from The Square and hosts events throughout the year.


Where to stay


Lenham's


buoyant local economy - hundreds are employed at Lenham Storage and Marley Plumbing & Drainage - means there is plenty of demand for overnight accommodation.


The Dog and Bear is the only hotel in The Square, but there are also other bed and breakfasts located in surrounding areas.


Chilston Park Hotel, a mile south of Lenham in


Sandway, has been rated among the top 200 hotels in the country and has been awarded four red stars by the AA for exceptional quality of accommodation and service. Chilston Park is a wonderfully preserved 17th century manor house, furnished with exquisite antiques and fine paintings. There are 53 rooms.


The Harrow Inn is set in a 17th-century pub in Warren Street, a hamlet in the heart of the North Downs.


Enjoy England accredited Foxes Earth in Grafty Green - a small village south of Lenham - with five stars, a Gold Award and a Breakfast Award.


The


Where to visit The village square is less than a mile south of long-


distance path North Downs Way, which links Farnham in Surrey to Dover and Canterbury in Kent.


A Christian-style cross commemorating casualties of


the two world wars is situated just above this popular walking route. A commemorative bench and plaque are located at the site. The original commemorative stone at the site has now been moved to the village churchyard with a WWII memorial.


Further east is Lenham Chalk Cliffs. Up to the turn of


the 20th Century the area was used as a mine exposing many layers of the chalk bedrock. Today the area has been designated a site of Special Scientific Interest and is noted for its 'Lenham Sands' that have given scientists a better understanding of how the local landscape has changed over time. The area is full of chalk grassland wildlife and has excellent views over the surrounding countryside.


The Cherry Downs Picnic Site, Rayners Hill, is a wildlife haven with ancient Downs grassland and now with its own orchard. It is easily accessible from several footpaths and the North Downs Way, or by car. It was recently taken over by the parish council, which plans to make further improvements.


The Square Lenham, Kent Proprietor: Andrew Michaelas


Chequers Fish Bar


Frying Times Mon - Fri


8.30am-2.30pm • 4.00pm - 10.30pm


Saturday - Open all day Sunday - 11am - 9pm


Now serving breakfast from 8am daily Telephone orders welcome


Tel: 01622 859878


Lenham Country Market Second Sunday every month Open 9am - 1pm


Best quality local produce Variety of stalls including:


• Fruit • Vegetables • Fish & Meat • Game • Eggs • Local crafts • Garden plants & trees • Conserves & pickles • French delicatessen • Jewellery • Gifts & cards • Art • Unique handcrafted oak products • Ceramics and more


Enquiries Tel: 01622 679709 Mid Kent Living 13


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