PRODUCED IN KENT
2020 is a year we won ’ t forget in a hurry . Our members proved that they are entrepreneurial , innovative , dynamic and passionate about their business . They made sure that Kent residents were fed and watered during the lockdowns – by adapting their business models , reaching out to the vulnerable and working double hours . 2021 is the year we need to continue to support those same businesses .
We are convinced that a new era is starting for local food and drink . Buyer behaviour is changing : there is a growing appreciation for provenance and sustainable products , and people recognise the crucial role the independent food and drink sector plays in shaping the unique character of our county – which attracts visitors , businesses , investors , students , and new residents .
Local should be for life , not just emergencies . We can all make a small change that will make a huge difference to the many businesses in our local food and drink supply chains . If all households in Kent spend £ 10 a week on local products , our community puts £ 315 million back into the local economy on a yearly basis – let ’ s make this our New Year ’ s resolution !
And please spare a thought for all those who are working so hard to grow , produce , prepare and serve the food in front of you . The hop grower who supplies the brewery which puts barrels in the cellar of your local . The dairy farmer , milking 365 days a year to get a pint to your doorstep . The pickers , packers , retail assistants , drivers , waiters and many more – they are the real food heroes ! So let ’ s raise a glass to them and toast to a truly Local 2021 .
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ROCHESTER FOOD & DRINK AWARDS
WHITSTABLE PIZZA TAKEAWAY WINS PRESTIGIOUS NATIONAL AWARD
This month sees the inaugural Rochester Food & Drink Awards celebrating the very best food and drink in a region that has over 100 venues , retailers and suppliers contributing to its rich and varied food scene .
ADAM READY insideKENT ’ s publisher , Adam Ready who will be sitting on the judging panel said : “ I will be excited to see and hear about all the food and drink offerings that Rochester has to offer .”
The awards are designed to recognise and celebrate those businesses dedicated to creating great quality tastes and experiences for the residents of Rochester and beyond .
Nominations for awards , which will be held as a digital award ceremony in March , open on 4th January 2021 when the general public and businesses themselves have the opportunity to nominate their favourite food and drink businesses across a host of categories .
Nominations will take place online at rochesterfoodanddrinkawards . co . uk and will be open until the end of January .
A new start up business in Whitstable has won a prestigious national award just four months after opening . Nomad Pizza won the Best Independent Pizza Delivery Award at the Pizza and Pasta Association ’ s PAPA Industry Awards 2020 , recognising the best pizza the UK has to offer .
Married couple Vicki and Jon say the key to their success is making their dough daily with organic flour , as well as using fresh local produce such as Kent cheeses and meats from the local butchers . They value employing local staff and continuously seek to support local charities and collaborate with local businesses . The company name is based on the idea that Vicki and Jon ’ s pizza has been on a journey from coast to coast , and equally celebrates their shared love of travel .
To pay tribute to the Garden of England , pizzas are named after a variety of apples . For example , ‘ Rambo ’, ‘ Scrumptious ’, ‘ Red Devil ,’ and ‘ Tiddly ’ for their children ’ s size pizzas after the smallest of apples – the ‘ Tiddly Pomme ’.
Commenting on their opening in August in the middle of the pandemic they said : " It wasn ’ t planned that way but we had to hit the ground running and due to holidaymakers flocking down because they could not travel abroad , it was incredibly busy . All credit to a brand new staff team to manage so magnificently .
" We are so grateful to the local community for supporting us and getting us over the line and making this happen . Now Whitstable has an award-winning takeaway to enjoy . ”
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