Why The Old Kent Barn ?
Funny story really , I came for a viewing as a client to book the venue , I had just proposed to my wife and from the moment I did she knew exactly where she wanted to get married ( I must confess I had never heard of it !). I remember saying to her as we went in for the viewing “ we are not booking today I want to see other venues ” but before we left , we had booked our wedding date and never did see another venue , I was bowled over by the passion and attention to detail , and to be honest the natural warmth The Barn just radiated .
A few weeks later my wife got a call to say The Barn were taking their catering in-house , my wife suggested I could help find a candidate as I was doing some consultancy work at the time .
I listened to the vision outlined by the owners and just felt a connection and affinity with everything they said . I decided I wanted to put some roots down and I took the role myself as I shared the same vision of what was achievable at The Old Kent Barn .
That was seven years ago , and I am still just as motivated and focused on constant improvement in everything we do as I was when I first started .
What is The Old Kent Barn ’ s kitchen concept ?
The goal from day one was to not take shortcuts just because we are a banqueting venue and to work closely with our dedicated team of suppliers who source fantastic produce for us so all we must do is handle it with care and ensure we are working with the same dedication , hard work and passion to deliver every wedding like our first .
Tell us about the dishes and menu you have created ?
The menu is written to allow freedom to develop each dish and interchange produce throughout the year to make the most of the best seasonal produce to keep dishes evolving . The ethos is nothing complicated and good produce used correctly .
What is your signature / favorite dish ?
I wouldn ’ t say there is a signature dish as such , but I do have a soft spot for the lamb dish . It ’ s been a favorite since we started . The way a cast iron pan , correct seasoning and fantastic lamb creates flavor is something so simple but so satisfying .
What ’ s your favorite meal ?
Without question a Sunday lunch at home . Every week I cook for my wife and our two beautiful children . Nothing gives me more pleasure than those few hours as a family .
What ’ s your guilty pleasure ?
A fish finger sandwich – you can ’ t beat it !
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