The Goods Shed

The weather this weekend was glorious and we were out walking the dog on the beach both mornings. Once the winter schedule kicks in, dogs are allowed on all the beaches at any time, so you don’t even need to think twice if it’s a lovely day. WH loves running along the sand, sniffing seaweed and eating crab carcasses- lovely. She never strays too far and is kept in check by the sea, since she is not fond of water. We were in fits however as she has recently discovered digging. She’d chase after her ball, pin it down, dig a large hole immediately behind it, so that the ball fell in, then nudge the ball up and out of the hole with her nose. When we were all exhausted and ready for the papers, a refreshing beverage and a chocolate biscuit or two, we headed back to the moneypit. Now that it is almost finished, it’s a joy to be able to sit and veg rather than constantly picking up a brush or a hammer. It’s amazing the difference a carpet makes.

On Saturday we met up with friends in Canterbury. They looked very smart, having just been to the re-dedication service at the Cathedral. We looked quite scruffy by comparison. But it was nice to chat and sit outside drinking in the late afternoon sun. As we were in Canterbury, DH and I had the cunning plan to book supper at one of our favourite restaurants- The Good’s Shed, next to Canterbury West train station. It’s a former goods shed that has been transformed into a local farmer’s market and restaurant, and we discovered it a couple of years ago on a weekend away in Canterbury. All the chairs are mismatched, and the place is lit with candles. It’s quite nippy, as there is always a door left open, but sitting on the mezzanine, candles glowing, it’s lovely to be able to watch the trains go by as the sun sets. And the food is always warming. Made with a lot of the seasonal produce available on the stalls, you can never know what the menu is going to look like in advance. Just choose from the board and chew on chunks of fresh bread smothered in cold salted butter whilst it’s cooked. The wine list is good, as is the variety of freshly made juices- the apple lime and ginger cannot be beaten, and is great for settling the stomach in for a big meal!

We skipped the starter(though I was sorely tempted by the scallops with lentils and bacon) and both had pot-roast chicken with lemon and herbs. It came with mashed potatoes, wilted greens and a carrot or two, all of which were beautifully cooked and full of flavour. I’m drooling at the memory of the tangy lemon chicken juices mixing with the sweetness of the carrots. Dessert, which was shared, was a delight of shortbread and cream and fresh fruit- perfect with a mug of coffee. I cannot recommend the place enough, should you ever be in Canterbury and in need of a good meal!