insideKENT Magazine Issue 82 - January 2019 | Page 124

NEWS
RICHARD PHILLIPS LAUNCHING
VEGAN-FRIENDLY MENU AT
PEARSON’S ARMS
Whitstable’s Pearson’s Arms is launching a meat-free menu,
which will be available from 2nd January. Perfect for vegans,
vegetarians, flexitarians and meat reducers, the new menu offers
choice at every course.
Diners will be able to choose from tapas-style snack dishes or
a soup and salad starter, followed by a selection of vegan mains
and desserts.
TV chef Richard Phillips explains why he chose to develop this
vegan menu: “I want to give people choice. Some of our customers
are looking for more vegan and vegetarian options on menus and
I wanted to show what can be done. There are many people
looking to reduce their meat intake, but it doesn’t mean you can’t
eat great tasting food. During January we will continue to serve
our usual high-grade locally-sourced meat and fish to our customers
who want it, but we are hoping to showcase the quality and variety
of different meat-free options available.”
HUSH HEATH ESTATE BLENDS NEW
SPIRIT OF DISCOVERY ENGLISH
SPARKLING WINE FOR SAGA CRUISES’
NEW SHIP
A new English sparkling wine has been exclusively blended by Hush Heath Estate for
Saga Cruises’ new ship Spirit of Discovery.
Winemaker Owen Elias, who has won multiple United Kingdom Vineyards Association
awards, worked with Saga Cruises’ executive chefs and Britannia Club members to
create the dedicated own label Spirit of Discovery sparkling wine. Elias says it is a
“delicious sweeter wine with balanced acidity and a delicate mousse.”
Saga Cruises has worked with Hush Heath Estate, a 400-acre estate comprising 100
acres of vineyards, which nestles among rolling hills in the Garden of England, for
many years and Hush Heath Estate producer Richard Balfour-Lynn says he was
“delighted to create a sparkling wine for the new world-class ship.”
He added: “We are proud and privileged to be part of Saga’s amazing new venture.”
The new ship, Spirit of Discovery, will home port from Dover where her naming
ceremony will take place on 5th July 2019 before she sets sail on a maiden voyage
around the British Isles on 10th July.
SNOWDOGS RAISE £142,000 FOR
PILGRIMS HOSPICES
After a hugely successful 10-week public trail around the borough,
Ashford’s amazing Snowdog and Snowpup sculptures raised a staggering
£142,000 at a charity auction in December.
In a final farewell (following the success of the Farewell Weekend held
at the Julie Rose Stadium on 1st-2nd December), a glamorous gala
auction was held at Ashford International Hotel, with celebrity TV
auctioneer and hosts Michael Hogben and Alison Chapman at the helm,
as local businesses and residents clamoured for their favourite dog.
A flurry of bids for the popular pooches pushed the grand total raised
to over £142,000, which will provide vital funding for Pilgrims Hospices,
contributing to the wonderful work they do in the Kent community.
Mr. Doodle’s Doodle Dog sold for the highest bid of the night at £15,000
– with the man himself live doodling a picture that became part of the
bidder’s prize. Bagdogg, another popular pooch, sold for £9,000;
Snowbrador and 2 Tone Ska Dog both raised £5,200 each; Stripes
fetched a fabulous £7,000; Harry Kanine sold for a bid of £6,200 and
Noble Ash reached £5,500, just to name a few.
Snowdogs Discover Ashford was brought to the town over 10 weeks
between September and November in a joint initiative by Wild in Art,
Ashford Borough Council and Pilgrims Hospices, and the residents of
Ashford and beyond truly embraced the magical event.
The Snowdog sculptures were designed by local artists and sponsored
by local businesses, together with 19 Snowpups that have been designed
and decorated by 19 local schools. These beautifully crafted giant
sculptures have left a lasting impression on thousands of visitors.
Kate Duddell, Corporate, Community & Events Fundraising Manager
for the Kent branches of Pilgrims Hospices, said: “This has been an
amazing experience for Pilgrims Hospices, working with Ashford Borough
Council, the wonderful sponsors and schools have given us so many
marvellous opportunities to engage with local people and develop
important relationships and connections within the community.
“The auction and the funds it raised was quite spectacular! We send our
thanks to everyone who has been involved in helping to make this such
an incredible success.”
124