FOOD + DRINK
TOP CHEF MARK SARGEANT OPENS NEW VENTURE BRASSERIE MS IN FOLKESTONE
Folkestone welcomed the return of Gordon Ramsay-trained chef Mark Sargeant who opened his art-deco style restaurant in Folkestone ’ s town centre . The menu embraces classical French cuisine featuring reimagined classics and some more contemporary ideas from the chef . Sargeant says it is his aim to embody casual elegance , which can be experienced in the main restaurant or at the chef ’ s table which has a full view of the kitchen , seats up to six diners and from which an eight- to 10-course tasting menu can be enjoyed . The restaurant decor has also been designed with Sargeant ’ s input ; black and white photographic prints of iconic celebrities adorn the walls adding an element of glamorous nostalgia and harking back to the great restaurants of the 90s . A neat cocktail lounge can also be found in the restaurant , as well as a unique antique drinks cabinet that has been upcycled by the chef himself .
BOYS HALL ASHFORD OPENS AS RESTAURANT WITH ROOMS
With centuries of stories layered throughout this lovingly refurbished 17th-century house , couple Kristie and Brad Lomas bring the latest chapter in the historic house ’ s story of smugglers , political unrest and buried treasure . Guests can now recharge and discover Kent in this relaxed and intriguing boutique hotel and restaurant . Sink into an armchair in front of a roaring fire , lose yourself in the wild country garden and enjoy the finest ingredients this diverse county has to offer in this unique restaurant space . Promising to be a ‘ full body sensory experience showcasing the very best Kent has to offer ’, the team of chefs want to inspire and engage diners with the varied landscapes , flora and fauna in Boys Hall ’ s stunning new oak-framed restaurant . Boys Hall is somewhere that lives and breathes the Garden of England , showcasing seasonal produce through dishes such as confit halibut , English rose veal tortellini , savoy cabbage , baby onion , and fennel and red wine reduction , as well as a selection of desserts including brown butter rice pudding , pickled blackberries and parsnip crisps .
MACKNADE CELEBRATES 175 YEARS
Saturday 17 September saw Kent foodie treasure Macknade celebrate its big birthday with a party in Faversham Food Village . Everyone was invited to join in the celebrations , which included live music , tastings and masterclasses , food and drink stalls , and children ’ s craft activities . Until 15 October , all Macknade customers will have the opportunity to win one of 175 prizes during a special birthday prize draw . Anyone shopping in Macknade ’ s Faversham or Ashford stores during this period will be given a prize card revealing what they ’ ve won , with prizes ranging from a tasting experience at Simpsons Vineyard to a limited-edition Macknade t-shirt . Stefano Cuomo , CEO and sixth generation of the family to lead Macknade , commented : “ I would like to take this opportunity to thank our team , our customers and our suppliers for their incredible support over the years . Macknade wouldn ’ t be anything without all of you and I am grateful to be a part of it .”
104