FOOD + DRINK
ELWICK PLACE FOODIE SCENE GETS BOOST
Pionering restaurant concept The Gastronomist will burst onto Kent ’ s culinary scene this spring , officially taking up residence in Ashford ’ s Elwick Place .
Offering a refined , modern space , diners can expect an unconventional and unique supper experience that harnesses a dinner-party style atmosphere to provide a curated two and a half-hour dining experience . Using the freshest local ingredients and roaring , open-flamed parilla ( grill ), The Gastronomist will also offer 6-course taster menus and a host of events including wine tastings , collaborations with international chefs , and ‘ Meet the Producer ’ evenings ; as well as offering private functions .
Jokin Ortega , co-director , said : “ We want to serve flavours that are intrinsically delicious , inspired by nature , and assimilate some international flair . Our food offering will be designed around the best seasonal ingredients from Kent , and occasionally beyond , to create bold menus that tell a story and have a sense of provenance . Our bespoke 2 metre wide parilla will be the focal point in the kitchen and is bound to capture our guests ’ attention during the evening ’ s service .”
Anticipating the venue ’ s inauguration , Ainara Mateu , co-director , adds : “ I ’ m thrilled to be part of this exciting opening here in Ashford . Each of The Gastronomist ’ s events will hopefully be fun , social and keep our patrons clamouring for more . Fundamentally , we want people to enjoy their evening : to soak up the atmosphere from the open kitchen ; to take in the art installations ; and to rediscover the joy ( perhaps even the drama !) of congenial dining , all whilst discovering fantastic food and drink .”
MATCHES SPORTS BAR , GRILL & SOCIAL – THE LATEST EXCITING PIECE OF THE ELWICK PLACE PUZZLE
Visitors to Elwick Place will also be able to raise a glass as Matches Sports Bar , Grill & Social is set to open this Spring too .
The 100,000 sq ft leisure and restaurant development , which will create over ten jobs for the local community , will bring a whole new concept to Ashford , offering customers the ultimate sports bar experience . With a focus on social , Matches will not only have an abundance of of Ultra-HD screens for your sports viewing pleasure , but will also offer pool , darts , shuffleboard and gaming machines too . Promising to serve up the juiciest burgers and stickiest wings this side of the River Stour , onsite kitchen Burger & Wing will cater for every appetite with its locally-sourced menu ; customers can also enjoy a range of craft beers , global brands and cocktails on tap , and , in an Ashfordfirst , you and your squad can reserve a self-pour beer booth , sit back , relax and never have to visit the bar again , in Matches ’ take on an executive box ! And there ’ s even a pre-bookable private screening room with super surroundsound to boot !
Jon Shephard , founder said : “ If there ’ s two important things we ’ ve all learnt recently is that we should not take seeing friends and family for granted , as well as to support local businesses . ‘ Matches ’ has been born out of the pandemic and as a local resident , I wanted to create a unique , friendly and social space for everyone to come and enjoy , relax and most importantly , have fun whether you ’ re into sports or not !”
KARARA LAUNCHES AT MACKNADE ’ S FOOD VILLAGE
Meaning spicy , KARARA , the new brand name for the aromatic dishes created by local chef Paul Babra , is ready to spice up the Kent food scene from its base at Macknade ’ s Food Village in Faversham .
Delivering more than “ just curries ” Paul , who has built a loyal Kentish customer base who not only enjoy the delicious dishes but also his karara and zest for life , has created dishes which offer customers a true authentic taste experience . Currently offering COVID-safe meal collections Thursdays-Sundays , customers can enjoy delights including tarka daal , bhartha and Punjabi lamb masala .
When not feeding the hungry take-away crowd , Paul works closely with Fareshare to redistribute surplus food to charities and community groups , turning large catering packs of food to individual meal portions to feed families experiencing food insecurity and to boost morale of frontline workers during the pandemic .
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