2020 has been an awful year for so many, and some of the worst hit are small businesses. When we all went into lockdown, countless small businesses struggled to stay afloat, and many were forced to close due to lack of custom or inability to run with the new restrictions. It’s so important, now more than ever, to support those small businesses and keep them going! Keep scrolling to find a list of small businesses, all based in Kent to support and buy from.
Gifts, Homeware and Bits and Bobs
Below you will find a huge choice of small businesses, all located in Kent, that sell gifts, homeware and all the bits and bobs in between. Some of these businesses run from home, and sell on sites such as Etsy, whilst others operate in a store, which will be closed during lockdown. All of the businesses listed below are offering products during lockdown, through online orders, so please don’t hesitate to browse, and shop!
Bethany Illustrations – Beautiful illustrations sold on Etsy, who also used her profits to donate to the NHS during the cover crisis.
Boho Soul Beads – Handmade crystal healing and personalised bead bracelets.
Swafferings – Described as a beautiful mess! Megan creates beautiful prints and personalised pieces.
Little Stitches Kent – Embroidered and printed gifts sold on Etsy.
Wild Child UK – Beautiful personalised balloons and gifts.
Made in Ashford – A beautiful shop and online store that allows locals to rent a space and sell their bits and bobs!
Hobbs and Hearts – Quirky gifts and unique items.
Thistle and String – Stunning flowers and wreaths based in Sevenoaks.
Otford Gifts – Sweet gifts based in Otford, Sevenoaks.
Quirky Giftz – Gifts perfect for anyone and everyone!
Goodearl’s Scented Wax – Brilliant scented wax in all different designs.
Unicorn Books Magical Reads – A brilliant collection of children’s books.
Quirky Petals – Flowers in a box for every occasion.
Half Cut Candles – Delicious smelling candles with a sleek look.
Pretty Little Flame – Home and fragrance store in Herne Bay.
Blighty’s – Stunning gifts made in the British Isles, sold in Cranbrook.
Lori’s Little Studio – Creative polymer clay earrings.
Hadleigh Wax Melts – Handmade vegan friendly scents.
Terra Ri Home – A builder of tiny universe gifts.
Kent Mum Box – Beautiful self-care gift boxes filled with pieces from local Kent businesses.
Debbie Draws Maps – Illustrated maps and greeting cards of Sevenoaks.
Beanobox – Lovingly Handmade Personalised Gifts For All Occasions.
Handmade Melanie – Creative coastal crafts.
Pick a Lilly Flowers and Cakes – Beautiful cakes and flowers.
Olive and Oak – Gift box shop in Sevenoaks, with pieces from local businesses.
Feather Ink – Personalised gifts, illustrations and artwork sold on Etsy.
Transfigured Soul – Unique handmade jewellery pieces.
Designs by Hannah – Digital Illustration Prints, Postcards and Cards.
When Skies are Grey UK – Stunning greeting cards in Kent.
Bee my Friend UK – Reusable beeswax wraps & eco-essentials in various patterns.
MYSA Box UK – Get a subscription to monthly wax melts box.
Tickety Boo – Affordable arts and crafts in Wye, Kent.
Sericum Designs – Hand painted silk scarves and gifts.
Food and Drink
When you’re feeling hungry on a Saturday night and fancy a takeaway, or are after a fancy cake for a special occasion, please consider these small businesses rather than the huge nationwide chains. I’m not saying don’t support chains, but also remember the small businesses and keep them going too!
Cakes, Bakes and all Sweet Things!
Here you will find lots of businesses offering handmade sweet treats for every occasion (or just a Monday pick-me-up). Most of the businesses below operate from home, and offer personalised and made-to-order bakes and more!
Twinnies Bake – All things sweet treats and bakes, run by twins Della and Maria.
Cake Wakie – All the cupcakes you can imagine!
Nibbles Cakes – A self taught baker with creative cakes made to order.
Meg’s Bakes – Very creative and detailed bakes and cakes!
A T Sweet Wishes – Made to Order Pix ‘n’ Mix.
Mrs B Bakes – Delicious Homemade Biscuits.
Honey Kanes – A sweet-lover’s paradise, filled with traditional sweets and chocolates in Whitstable.
Pick a Lilly Flowers and Cakes – Beautiful cakes and flowers.
Cake Take 4 – Bespoke cakes and bakes by Gemma, use code ‘elise10’ for 10% off your order!
The Bakehouse Kent – Cakes that are handcrafted with love.
Takeaway/Deliveries
The businesses below are open for takeaways and/or deliveries so if you don’t feel like cooking – this is your go-to!
Freddie’s Farm Snacks – 100% British fruit and veg snacks for kids!
Home From Home Flavours – Homemade Caribbean food with weekly specials.
Papa Bianco – Delicious pizza based in Faversham.
Bloc Folkstone – Hand cut cheeses and artisan grazing boxes.
Sandwich Grazing – Exciting custom graze boxes and platters made to order!
Gibbs and Graze – Graze box, ‘a little bit of what you fancy’.
Cafes & Restaurants
This list of cafes and restaurants are all recommended by the locals themselves, and are operating on a takeaway and/or delivery basis during lockdowns. Please support them as much as possible during and after the lockdown!
The Goods Shed – A collection of Kentish goods, sourced from local farmers and producers.
Nancy’s Tea Room – A modern tea room in Tonbridge.
Your Little Green Shop Deal – Zero Waste Refill Grocery & Plastic Free Shop in Deal.
Frankie’s Farmshop – A quaint farm shop and cafe in Staplehurst.
Cafe Lounge Meopham – A luxury cafe lounge with amazing coffee!
Loaf Sandgate – A cosy cafe with a huge menu in Sandgate.
Salata – Delicious custom salads made in Ashford.
Verdigris – Stunning food, wine and cocktails, based in Tonbridge.
The Independant Pedaler – Amazing coffee and high quality food too!
Mackenade – A food hall, deli and cafe based in the new complex, Elwick Place in Ashford.
Cathedral Pie House – Traditional pie and mash in Medway.
Lower Ladysden Farm – A beautiful farm shop in Kent with ‘pick your own’ patches, open for online orders during lockdown.
Services
Although many of businesses operating on a service basis have closed, there are still so many to keep supporting – all of which have taken extra measures due to Covid and are safe to use!
Grooming by Lauren – A fully qualified, brilliant dog groomer, who “loves making your pooches look posh”.
Georgia Waters Vocal Coach – Singing teacher/Vocal coach in the Medway area.
RFDPM – South-East based City & Guilds accredited decorator & builder (includes maintenance work) with 31 years experience in trade.
Online with Scarlett – Online fitness classes so you can fit your workout in from anywhere!
Samsara Retreat and Yoga – A charming 16th-century countryside cottage offering: yoga retreat meditation beautiful accommodation, with online yoga classes during lockdown.
I will be continuously adding new businesses to support, so if you have any recommendations, please leave a comment on this post and I will look them up! Thank you in advance. *Images were taken from the business’ pages*
As always, love Elise x
Tanriverdi Travels 