History and Creativity
Historic riverside buildings have found a new purpose as studios and workshops, where painters, printmakers, jewellers, ceramicists, photographers and designers work side by side. Independent galleries showcase new exhibitions throughout the year, while every July the Medway Open Studios & Arts Festival transforms the area into a vibrant, free art trail, with more than 250 artists opening their doors to visitors.
Local and Independent
That same independent spirit shapes Chatham's food and shopping scene. Characterful cafés, restaurants and bars sit alongside a growing collection of independent businesses, while the monthly Medway Market at Slip 5 in Chatham Historic Dockyard brings together street food, vintage treasures, handmade crafts and locally produced food in one of the town's most distinctive settings.
Dockyard Distilling
Down by the water, the historic pump house at Copper Rivet Distillery has been transformed into one of Medway's most distinctive destinations. Here spirits from grain to glass are made under its Victorian roof. Its Dockyard Gin, vodka and Masthouse Whisky are rooted in the dockyard’s history, and visitors can see how they are made before staying on to enjoy some food and a drink by the river.
After-Hours Culture
As day turns to evening Chatham's cultural scene comes alive. Everything from live music in the back room of a pub to comedy nights, open mics and bigger names on the bill at Chatham’s Central Theatre. During the summer, MedFringe festival fills Medway with more than 50 performances across the towns, from small-room theatre to late-night comedy and pop-up performances, adding even more energy to the town's growing creative scene.
