FOOD + DRINK
BE VOCAL ABOUT LOCAL WITH PRODUCED IN KENT ’ S CHANGE ONE THING CAMPAIGN
MILLBROOK GARDEN CENTRE CHAMPIONS LOCAL IN NEW FOOD HALL
Produced in Kent is taking a closer look at the different ways in which you can have a more sustainable attitude to food . This month , it is sharing helpful tips and advice on shopping locally and the benefits of spending just £ 10 a week locally .
According to Floortje Hoette , chief executive of Produced in Kent , “ If residents of Kent spend £ 10 per week on local produce and products , we will put £ 415 million back into the local economy annually . We encourage you to be Vocal About Local and share your local purchases on social media . This way you will have an impact on those around you and word will spread .”
Shop Local for Life with these top tips from Produced in Kent .
• Visit your local farm shop and stock up on your much needed five a day . If you haven ’ t already been to Haywards Farmshop why not pay them a visit next time you ’ re in Tonbridge .
• Buy gifts or flowers online from local boutiques . So many shops now have online ordering facilities , and you can help support them even if you can ’ t pop in , in person . You could treat a friend to a gift from Blended Therapies .
• Order your fruit and veg to be delivered . Watts Farm Shop delivers straight to your door and supplies locally grown produce . Choose from The Juicing Box , The Super Greens Box or even a Steak and Chips Meal for 2 Box for a special date night .
• Got Kent milk ? Remember the good old days when you had your milk delivered ? Well , this is once more an option thanks to local dairies such as Hinxden Farm Dairy . Order a selection of crème fraîche , cheese , butter , yoghurt and other goods like water and juice .
• Be Vocal About Local . Use the hashtag # vocalaboutlocal .
Millbrook Garden Centre in Gravesend has unveiled its brand new Food Hall & Butchers , recognising the pandemic-driven , growing need to provide quality food and drink straight to its customers and the local community .
The Food Hall , which will stock a delicious selection of over 300 food and drink products from 23 local producers all under one roof – reducing food miles and keeping the very best flavours in the local community , was officially opened by the Mayor of Dartford , Councillor Rosanna Currans , at a special launch event ; where guests were all treated to drinks from award-winning Biddenden Vineyard ; a tour of the new Food Hall ; and tastings from local breweries Dartford Wobbler and Copper Rivet Distillery ; Fawkham Bee Company ; artisan food supplier Curd & Cure ; and Rooks Master Butchers .
Commenting on the opening , Tammy Woodhouse , managing director of Millbrook Garden Centre said : “ Over the last 18 months , we ’ ve experienced a greater need to support our customers as they choose garden centres over other retailers due to their large open buildings and outdoor retail areas . At a time when people are not comfortable with visiting busy shops , we ’ ve increased our food offering to give people the option to buy their groceries while they shop for their gardening goods . As we have increased our food offering we have had requests for other products that go with our new ranges .”
MACKNADE OFFICIALLY OPENS AT HOOPERS
Macknade have officially opened their all day dining space and store at Hoopers , Tunbridge Wells , as part of its mission to create spaces for communities to come together over a shared love of food and drink .
Occupying a 4,000 square foot space on the second floor of the store , Macknade have created an informal restaurant space , offering an all-day dining experience for customers , taking them through from breakfast and brunch to lunch , larger plates and leisurely drinks .
Stefano Cuomo , Macknade CEO said of the opening : “ Macknade is all about creating favourite spaces and working with Hoopers has given us the chance to take some of our favourite dishes , continue to grow long established partnerships and create new relationships with local producers , all to create food that makes people smile . Everything on our menus has a story and through our dishes , diners will discover the artisans behind the incredible ingredients and products we use .”
Macknade at Hoopers also offers diners the opportunity to browse and take home a selection of produce used on the new restaurant menu , as well as a carefully selected range of Kentish wines , beer and cider . A curated collection of indoor plants , decorative dried flower displays and hand tied bouquets from their floristry department are also available , alongside bespoke hamper services and foodie gifts .
Shane Godwin , managing director , Macknade added : “ The team are already working on future plans to bring pop-ups , supper clubs , tastings and other foodie related events to the town .”
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