Sevenoaks Online

The week in one email · 7 August 2026

Otford by-election: green belt slate sweeps all three seats
All three Otford Parish Council seats went to Save Otford's Green Belt candidates on 23 July, on a 31.6% turnout, as the village fights a 203-home allocation.

News

Greene King bid for 1am drinking and a basement bar at Westerham's Kings Arms goes to a hearing after residents object Greene King wants the Kings Arms Hotel open until 1.30am at weekends with a revived basement bar, part of a £1.4m refurbishment. Six neighbours objected, sending the plan to a council licensing hearing on 28 July.

Swanley pancake maker Ming Foods placed in administration, official notices show Ming Foods, the Chinese pastry manufacturer at Upper Hockenden Farm in Swanley, has been placed in administration. It is one of seven companies named in July's insolvency notices for the Sevenoaks area.

Every food business inspected in the Sevenoaks district in July scored top marks All 25 food hygiene inspections published for the Sevenoaks district in July 2026 resulted in a rating of 5. Across the whole register, 673 of 852 rated premises hold the top score.

Premises licence applied for at the Fleur De Lis in Leigh, with residents able to comment until late August Sevenoaks District Council's licensing register shows a premises licence application for the Fleur De Lis on Leigh High Street, received on 27 July 2026 and open to representations from residents.

Ofsted puts Lady Boswell's at a strong standard in all seven areas of its new report card Inspectors judged the Sevenoaks primary at a strong standard in every graded area, from achievement to governance, and found safeguarding standards met. The report card was published on 23 July.

Farm access refused twice on Ashgrove Road goes to the Planning Inspectorate Sevenoaks District Council refused a new agricultural access onto Ashgrove Road in February, saying it had too little evidence the land is farmed. The applicant has appealed, and the town council is opposing.

Out-of-work benefit claims in Sevenoaks district hit their highest level since January 2022 1,655 people in the Sevenoaks district were claiming unemployment-related benefits in June, 145 more than a year earlier. The district's rate of 2.3 per cent is still well below Kent and Great Britain.

Ten fire engines sent to Edenbridge wildfire as Kent crews tackle more than 300 grass fires since May Kent Fire and Rescue sent 10 fire engines, a bulk water carrier and two off-road vehicles to a wildfire in Hever Road, Edenbridge, and has since asked the public to help cut the number of outdoor fires.

Charing Cross reopens on 17 August: what Sevenoaks trains are doing until then Charing Cross and Waterloo East are shut until 16 August, so Sevenoaks trains are running to London Bridge. On Sunday 9 and Sunday 16 August they go to Victoria instead, non-stop as far as Petts Wood.

Riverhead puts the A25 zebra crossing first and is holding back its reserves to pay for it Riverhead Parish Council's 2026 Highway Improvement Plan names the London Road zebra crossing as its top priority, and the council has turned down other spending to build the reserves behind a funding bid.

What's On

Dog Friendly Sevenoaks: Walks, Pubs and the Rules in 2026 A dog friendly Sevenoaks guide for 2026: where dogs can go off lead, the Knole and reserve rules, and the pubs and cafes that actually welcome them.

The Best Pubs in Sevenoaks and Its Villages in 2026 The best pubs in Sevenoaks and the surrounding villages in 2026: opening hours, food, gardens and dog rules, each one checked against the pub's own site.

October Half Term in Sevenoaks 2026: Dates and Days Out October half term in Sevenoaks runs 26 to 30 October 2026. The Kent term dates, what is already confirmed, and where to take children locally.

Halloween Events in Sevenoaks 2026: Trails and Days Out Halloween events in Sevenoaks and west Kent for 2026: what Hever, Leeds Castle and Lullingstone have confirmed, and what to expect elsewhere.

Pumpkin Picking near Sevenoaks 2026: Kent Patches Compared Pumpkin picking near Sevenoaks in 2026: the real Kent PYO patches, the confirmed October dates, what each one charges and how booking works.

Fireworks near Sevenoaks 2026: Bonfire Night Dates Fireworks in Sevenoaks and nearby for Bonfire Night 2026: confirmed dates, times and ticket prices for Tonbridge, Swanley, Edenbridge and Leeds Castle.

Family Walks near Sevenoaks: 7 Routes That Work With Kids Family-friendly walks near Sevenoaks: Knole, One Tree Hill, the Darent Valley and more, with parking charges, buggy access and where the toilets are.

Things to Do with Kids in Sevenoaks: A Local Parent's Guide Things to do with kids in Sevenoaks: deer at Knole, a free play park at the wildlife reserve, birds of prey at Eagle Heights, soft play and pools.

Christmas Markets near Sevenoaks 2026: Fairs and Dates Christmas markets and fairs near Sevenoaks in 2026: the Bligh's Walk market, Hever's Christmas Fair on 6 November, Chiddingstone Castle and Tonbridge.

Pantomimes near Sevenoaks 2026: Robin Hood at the Stag Pantomimes near Sevenoaks for 2026/27: Robin Hood at the Stag, plus Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells, Dartford, Bromley and Canterbury dates and prices.

Father Christmas near Sevenoaks 2026: Where to See Santa Where to see Father Christmas near Sevenoaks in 2026: grottos at Polhill and Coolings, Hever Castle, Groombridge, Bewl Water and the Polar Express.

Soft Play near Sevenoaks: Every Centre Worth Knowing in 2026 Soft play in Sevenoaks and within about 30 minutes: ages, session lengths, 2026 prices and booking, checked against each centre's own website.

Knole Park, Sevenoaks: Deer, Parking, Prices and Walks (2026) Knole Park in Sevenoaks is free to walk into. The 2026 guide to deer rules, parking, National Trust prices, dog rules and the walk up from town.

Afternoon Tea in Sevenoaks: The Best Places in 2026 Where to find afternoon tea in Sevenoaks in 2026: prices, booking notice and opening days for hotels, tea rooms, castles and garden cafes nearby.

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