Journalist Hedi Mehrez of KentLive took on the challenge of a solo day trip to Whitstable with only £20 in his pocket, aiming to show that an enjoyable day out doesn't have to break the bank. Despite Whitstable's growing popularity and rising prices, he managed to spend just £18.80, leaving him with change.
Breakfast at Gilbert's
After a short walk from the National Express stop, Hedi passed Gilbert's, a café with a vintage French épicerie aesthetic that immediately caught his attention. He ordered scrambled eggs on white toast (£8) and an iced peach tea (£4), which together cost £12, more than half his budget.
He said: "The iced tea was refreshing and not too sweet. The eggs were perfectly cooked, and the bread was toasted just right with the ideal amount of butter."
His breakfast even drew a compliment from an elderly lady, who said, "I should have ordered that," before adding that her jacket potato was "too much."
Coffee at Revival
After browsing independent boutiques without buying, Hedi followed his instincts to Revival, a café with a storefront that hid a mix of American diner and vintage British café styles. The rear of the café featured 1970s décor, including orange, yellow, and brown wallpaper, a life-sized Elvis Presley cardboard cut-out, vintage posters, and floral lamps.
He said: "Sadly, I wasn't around to experience the disco era myself, but it felt remarkably close to the vibrant decade I've seen celebrated in films and television. It was nostalgic for a time I'd never lived through, yet somehow it still felt wonderfully familiar."
He ordered a black Americano (£3.30), bringing his total to £15.30.
Ice Cream and Seafront Stroll
Finally, Hedi sampled a single scoop of chocolate mint ice cream from Lottie's, a shop with a distinctive pink front, for £3.50. He said: "Now, here's my unpopular opinion: chocolate mint is the best ice cream flavour, hands down."
He enjoyed the ice cream overlooking the sea, then wandered along the beach and the seafront path, which caters for wheelchair users. Despite initial drizzle, the weather improved, and people were seen enjoying the sunshine outside the Old Neptune. Hedi strolled through the harbour before returning to the bus stop.
The total cost was £18.80, excluding transport, which Hedi chose not to include as it varies depending on where you travel from.
