Faversham is situated between the old Roman road, the A2, between London and Canterbury and on to Dover. Many people who think they’ve been to Faversham have not seen the fine market square and guildhall or arguably one of the finest streets of diverse vernacular architecture in the UK. Only during the Hop Festival do you find more non-local than locals in the streets and Faversham has a rich programme of street events throughout the summer months with Open House and Secret Garden Festivals. See www.faversham.org but don’t tell too many people about it.

So imagine my concern when Kent on Sunday (07 Sept 2008) carried the following

"Elizabeth Carter, editor of the Guide, was impressed by Kent's cuisine. She said "reporters to the Good Food Guide have identified an area, not a town, as the gastronomic hot spot.

"A rough triangle encompassing Canterbury, Whitstable and Faversham in East Kent has lured quality chefs, drawn by the high quality Kentish meat, fish, vegetables and fruits. Is this east Kent triangle the new Ludlow?"

The Ludlow and Marches Food and Drink Festival held two weekends after the Faversham Hop Festival every September has been an addiction for Kate and me for years – we enjoy the food culture and spending time with other enthusiasts – but most of all it is about meeting the producers and sharing their enthusiasm. It beats shopping in Tesco.

So the editor of The Good Food Guide thinks Faversham may be part of a gastronomic hot spot – that will increase the trade for local restaurants and food producers, and we have some real gems, that’s the good news.

Of course I favour more prosperous local businesses; they are small businesses, owner managed,  and employing local people. But I shall loose the option of deciding to eat out on an impulse – I’ll need to book.

Another negative social impact of tourism ……?