FOOD + DRINK
NEW SEVENOAKS RESTAURANT FOR CHEF STUART GILLIES
‘ PRODUCED IN KENT ’ STORE OPENS AT BLUEWATER
Chef Stuart Gillies has announced the launch of his new restaurant and bar , Number Eight , which will open in the historic market town of Sevenoaks in January .
Recognising the independent and community-led nature of the town , Sevenoaks offered the perfect set up for Number Eight which will continue Gillies ’ ethos of supporting the local community and sourcing local produce .
Co-owned by Stuart and his wife Cecilia , Number Eight , the family run business full of local charm and warm hospitality , will occupy an impressive 16th century corner site opening up onto a charming courtyard terrace that captures the afternoon sun .
Dishes on the menu not only capture Gillies ’ diverse chef journey but offer diners eclectic choices , including whipped cod ’ s roe with a sprinkling of hazelnuts , green beans and homemade focaccia ; truffled artichokes with creme fraiche dressing and mache salad ; buttermilk chicken , bbq sauce and blue cheese shavings ; Rye Bay monkfish curry ; and roasted loin of Chart Farm venison , swede mash , sour cherry and chocolate sauce .
Keeping it local , a concise and carefully considered wine list with a nod to English sparkling Blanc de Blanc and local vineyards ( Kingscote , Gusbourne , Chapel Down ) provide the perfect aperitif alongside a selection of biodynamic and organic wines from Cave De Pyrene . House-made Number Eight cocktails including No . 8 Sour , Tommy ’ s Margarita and Conker Espresso Martini also offer guests an ideal pre or post dinner tipple .
The restaurant ’ s The Gallery , a private space with up to 16 covers , will provide dual purpose for those looking for a more intimate dining affair as well as a bespoke artwork space , in collaboration with Charlie Smedley ( A Space for Art ), to showcase young up and coming artists .
Commenting on the opening Stuart said : “ Cecilia and I are so excited to bring Number Eight to Sevenoaks . The opening of Bank House in Chislehurst in 2019 has given us the perfect launch pad from which to integrate ourselves further into the local community . Sevenoaks is such a vibrant town full of incredible independent operators , we can ’ t wait to be part of it all , sharing our passion for good honest food and great wine with locals and visitors alike .”
A new Produced in Kent retail store , which will showcase an array of local Kent brands within a dedicated space , has opened at Bluewater . The project , the first time the organisation has opened a dedicated store , has created a shop championing some of the best independent brands in the county .
Products from businesses such as Shepherd Neame , Kent Crisps , Kentish Pip , Maidstone Distillery , Coffee Bean Shop , Fudge Kitchen , Romney Marsh Wools , Old Dairy Brewery , and Meopham Valley Vineyard are already on sale , with more Kentish-made brands expected in the run up to Christmas .
Robert Goodman , senior centre director at Bluewater , comments : “ We are delighted to welcome Produced in Kent to Bluewater . With many exciting independent local brands on offer , it allows our guests the opportunity to support the Kent community and provides a platform for smaller businesses in the area to reach a large retail audience .”
Jonathan Neame , chief executive of Shepherd Neame , said : “ As a long-term partner of Produced in Kent , we are proud to be part of this exciting new venture at Bluewater . Our county boasts some of the finest food and drink producers in the UK and we hope that the shop will offer a fantastic opportunity to showcase what we have to offer .”
Laura Bounds MBE , owner of Kent Crisps , Kentish Oils & Condiments and A Little Bit Food Co , added : “ I am delighted that Kent Crisps , Kentish Oils & Condiments and A Little Bit Food Co have all been chosen to be part of this exciting new shop at Bluewater .
“ I am passionate about promoting all that Kent has to offer when it comes to food and drink and believe this is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the very best producers from the Garden of England . We ’ re proudly rooted in Kent and are looking forward to being able to bring our delicious products to a new audience , as well as giving existing customers a brand new outlet to purchase from .”
The official store opening , with catering by The Curious Eatery , also saw the launch of the Taste of Kent Awards ( TOKA ) 2022 , an event dedicated to showcasing the best in food and drink across the county . Now in its 17th year , voting for the TOKA 2022 will run from 10 January - 28 February 2022 with winners announced in May .
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