The Best Coffee in Faversham

Faversham is an easy town to explore on foot, and coffee is never far away whether you're browsing the antiques and boats down at the Creek or wandering the historic streets around Market Place. The good news is that you're spoilt for choice, from little independents to a familiar high-street name, so this guide is less about picking a favourite and more about matching the right spot to your morning.

If you like the idea of coffee with a view of the water, head down to Standard Quay, where Benedict's of Kent sits inside the Riggers Workshop. It's a characterful corner of town, with the old maritime buildings and moored boats nearby, and a natural place to pause if you've been poking around the Creekside shops. It holds a five-star food hygiene rating, which is always reassuring when you're settling in for a while.

Court Street, running up towards the town centre, is something of a café cluster. Cafe Guild sits right in the heart of the action, while Fay's Place — also with a five-star hygiene rating — is a comfortable spot for a coffee and a natter. Havisham's is another Court Street option, handy if you're combining a coffee with a browse around the independent shops. Between them you've got plenty of choice within a very short stroll.

Preston Street is the other stretch worth knowing about. Cosgroves is a long-standing name here and carries a five-star hygiene rating, as does Jittermugs Coffee Shop just along the road — a good bet if you want a proper coffee-shop feel. Moonlight Cafe opens early, from 7am, so it's the one to remember if you need caffeine before the town has properly woken up or you're catching an early train.

Around Market Street you'll find Castella, open Wednesday to Sunday, and the Swan Cafe, both sitting close to the bustle of the market and Market Place. If you're after something on the western side of town, The Refinery on West Street serves coffee and food and opens daily except Wednesdays — worth noting so you don't arrive on the one day it's closed.

For something a little different, Spack's Cat Cafe on Lower Road offers a cosy setting where you can enjoy a drink in the company of friendly cats — a lovely change of pace if you fancy a slower, calmer visit. The Secret Garden Tea Room leans more towards tea and gentle refreshment, making it a pleasant choice when you want to sit and unwind rather than grab and go.

There are more to seek out, too. Le Cafe Bonjour Encore offers a relaxed setting for coffee and conversation, The Courtyard sits in the town centre, and The Java House and HatHats Coffee round out the picture — HatHats opens daily from 8am to 6pm, useful if you want somewhere reliable for a mid-afternoon cup. If you prefer a familiar chain, there's a Costa on Crescent Road for hot and cold drinks and light bites.

However you like your coffee, Faversham rewards a bit of wandering. Start at the Creek at Benedict's, drift up through Court Street and Preston Street, and you'll pass more inviting doorways than you can visit in a single morning — which is as good a reason as any to come back. Do check current opening days and times before setting out, as smaller independents in particular can vary week to week.