My adopted hometown continues to evolve, often with a nod to the town’s illustrious past. This time, thank God it’s not Dickens-related or twee. The new Seaplane Works (SPW) cafe took me by surprise by paying homage to the Short Brothers who established a seaplane and flying boat factory here in the early 20th Century. Although the factory is long gone, well-known local residents have resurrected this neglected aspect of Rochester’s past, in an extremely stylish manner-just look at their simple and elegant logo. And in case you’re wondering, the coffee’s great too.

2022 update: sad to report that Seaplane Works closed during lockdown.