FOOD + DRINK
FOOD LOOP STARTS THE FIGHT AGAINST FOOD WASTE
Following eight months of fundraising to turn an idea into reality , Produced in Kent has announced that Food Loop , a B2B app connecting suppliers of surplus food and food waste with those needing food , will be developed and trialled in two counties . Businesses , charities and community initiatives can now register ( free for the first 12 months ) at www . foodloop . app to take part in a 12-month trial project . A staggering 6.4 million tonnes of edible food is wasted in the UK every year , which would make the equivalent of over 15 billion meals – enough to feed the entire UK population 3 meals a day for 11 weeks . Of that 6.4Mt , WRAP ( Waste and Resources Action Programme ) has estimated food waste levels pre-farm gate at 1.6 Mt . ‘ Food Loop could be a game changer in reducing edible food waste levels in the food-producing sector ’ says Floortje Hoette , CEO of Produced in Kent . ‘ It enables the county ’ s growers , producers , butchers , farmers and shops , restaurants and pubs to connect with and get food to those who need it .’ If you are a food or drink business in Kent that wants to tackle food waste , get onboard and take part in the Food Loop project by registering via : www . foodloop . app .
GIGGLING SQUID TO OPEN IN MAIDSTONE
With more than 40 restaurants across the country , including in Sevenoaks and Tunbridge Wells , Giggling Squid is set to open its latest Kent addition in Maidstone , in the town ’ s vibrant , eatery-focused Earl Street this spring . Launched in 2002 by husband and wife team Pranee and Andy Laurillard , each restaurant has distinctive and beautifully ‘ Instagrammable ’ interiors which take inspiration from Thailand , along with the bold flavours of their signature ‘ Thai Tapas ’ style food . Giggling Squid commented that , ‘ the excitement is building as we fit out our new restaurant – installing banquettes , hanging our stunning wallpaper , adding floral details . The team are also getting ready and can ’ t wait to throw open the doors and welcome our new guests .’
www . gigglingsquid . com
ROYAL VICTORIA PLACE OFFERS HOME TO THE PLANT BASE
Royal Victoria Place has welcomed The Plant Base , an independent vegan restaurant and bar , to its food and beverage offering following its temporary closure on Camden Road in Tunbridge Wells .
An outpouring of support was offered to The Plant Base , including over £ 5,000 in crowdfunded donations and the offer of a temporary home at RVP , after storms Eunice and Franklin caused excessive damage to the restaurant in February , collapsing a large chimney stack onto the kitchen roof and leaving the restaurant with no power .
The Plant Base will be open as a pop-up unit , located next to the entrance to Ely Court on the Lower Mall , Tuesdays - Sundays until 14 April .
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