FOOD + DRINK
NEW YEAR , NEW FOOD
WITH THE DAWN OF A NEW YEAR COMES THE DESIRE TO EMBRACE UNTRIED EXPERIENCES , ARRIVING HAND IN HAND WITH THE NEED TO CREATE JOYOUS NEW MEMORIES WITH LOVED ONES , AND WHAT BETTER WAY TO ACHIEVE THIS THAN THROUGH FOOD ? AS THE GARDEN OF ENGLAND , KENT HAS ALWAYS HAD THE RAW INGREDIENTS NEEDED TO BECOME A COUNTY BEAUTIFULLY RIPE FOR FOOD LOVERS . WITH CREATIVE CHEFS RECOGNISING THIS AND HONING THEIR SKILLS TO MATCH ALL THE DIVERSE PRODUCE THIS COUNTY HAS TO OFFER , 2022 IS SET TO BE A YEAR AWASH WITH THE RISE OF SOME TRULY MAGNIFICENT NEW RESTAURANTS . HERE IS insideKENT ’ S GUIDE TO HELP YOU DO JUST THAT , FEATURING KENT ’ S BEST NEW RESTAURANTS FIT FOR A NEW YEAR ’ S WORTH OF FEASTING …
Pumproom at Copper Rivet Distillery www . crdpumproom . com Chatham
Set in a historic building of the Industrial Revolution , the Pumproom , at Copper Rivet Distillery in the heart of Chatham ’ s Royal Dockyard , is now a stunning setting for visitors to not only immerse themselves in one of the county ’ s most enthralling heritage spots but also to enjoy relaxed fine dining . The Pumproom ’ s location is steeped in a rich history , evident through beautiful architecture and leftover artifacts and features which add to the unique and beautiful atmosphere of the venue while guests eat . Built in 1873 as a pumphouse , to pump water into and out of the dry docks as ships were mended or built , the distillery is surrounded by water on both sides , and boasts of riverside windows offering magnificent views of the River Medway , Queen Elizabeth I ’ s gunpowder store and the iconic grey stone castle of Upnor on the opposite shore .
On warmer days and evenings guests can sample the distillery ’ s cocktails and the restaurant ’ s dishes on the wooden decking beside the river , with signature cocktails featuring the three of the distillery ’ s own gins , their vodka , their ‘ English Grain Spirit ’ and their newly released ‘ Masthouse Single Malt Whisky ’. As Copper Rivet is one of the country ’ s leading and most innovative craft producers of farm to glass spirits , it is no surprise that hints of inspiration filter through from into several of the Pumproom ’ s dishes .
Incorporating both the spirits and grains in their seasoning of their cooking at the same time as presenting a contemporary take on classic dishes , the Pumproom also reflects the important gastronomic and medicinal element in Chatham ’ s naval history by using herbs , spices and flavours from around the globe in their menu . Outstanding food creations by head chef Will Freeman are complemented by expertly curated wines from Kent and made using seasonal ingredients , be they locally grown vegetables , locally reared meat or locally landed fish such as Rye Bay cod .
Open for lunch and dinner Wednesday - Sunday .
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