MACKNADE THE GOODS SHED
PRODUCED IN KENT – STRIVE TO BUY FIVE
Helping folk to be Kentish champions all year round is trade organisation Produced in Kent . This Christmas , they are encouraging shoppers , from both near and far , to ‘ Strive to Buy Five ’. Dedicated to supporting and promoting all types of food , drink and craft businesses in Kent , Produced in Kent provides vital support to a diverse range of businesses which in turn provide valuable employment opportunities throughout the county and are at the economic heart of our rural communities .
We spoke to CEO , Floortje Hoette , about the Strive to Buy Five campaign : “ This year our message to everyone is ‘ Strive to Buy Five ’ locally produced presents , or festive food and drink items . From handmade candles and soap bars to locally distilled gin or sparkling wine from a local vineyard , Kent producers will have something for everyone . If everyone buys five products from Kent this year , it will help to support and grow local business in what has been a very challenging time for independent producers .”
Produced in Kent has gathered ideas and offerings from its hundreds of members and compiled them into one handy Christmas directory . There are four sections covering ‘ Christmas Food ’, ‘ Christmas Gifts ’, ‘ Eat , Drink & Stay ’ and ‘ Experiences ’ on their website . You can check it out at www . producedinkent . co . uk / christmas-directory to be inspired , or take a look at insideKENT ’ s How to Hamper feature on pages 60-62 , which features lots of lovely Produced in Kent Champions .
“ You don ’ t have to spend big to gift local ,” says Floortje . “ With cosmetics from Romney Marsh Wools from as little as £ 6 and candles from Pure Wix at £ 15 , there are some fantastic options for a small budget . For those with a deeper wallet , you might like to consider a bottle of Blanc de Blanc from Gusbourne or a bottle of Lavender Gin from Castle Farm . If an experience gift will be more appreciated , there are lots of options from local tasting flights for the grownups to quiz trails for the kids or a Brogdale Orchard Pass for the family . And for those who just can ’ t decide , a Champions membership from Produced in Kent is the ultimate gift solution at just £ 25 for an annual membership with exclusive offers and money off different products and experiences every quarter .”
A KENTISH FEAST – WHERE TO BUY YOUR CHRISTMAS INGREDIENTS AND GIFTS FOR FOODIES
insideKENT RECOMMENDS
Pre-ordering your meat from your local butcher or local online delivery service . The same goes for your vegetables – help them keep on top of the rush by pre-ordering from your local farm shops or a veg box delivery company such as Foodari .
As well as our roast turkey with all the trimmings for Christmas Day dinner , anyone will be delighted to receive treats such as chutneys for cold meat sandwiches , unique teas and coffees , and lots of little sweet treats from local fudge makers and chocolatiers . The yuletide indulgence doesn ’ t stop there either ! Christmas Pudding or Gingerbread flavoured ice cream from Simply Ice Cream will be the perfect lazy pudding to complete your festive feast . So head out to one of Kent ’ s fantastic farm shops , stocking everything from brilliant Brussels sprouts to the perfect panettone .
insideKENT ’ S TOP THREE PICKS FOR LOCAL FOOD SHOPPING
Macknade , Faversham www . macknade . com
A true foodie haven with everything you could possibly desire for a delicious Kentish Christmas at its very best . Home to a beautifully stocked farm shop , delightful eatery , their very own butcher , a delicious deli counter with cured meats and olives galore , and even a fabulous florist for those yuletide decorations . Expect a diverse range of vibrant local produce and upmarket international ( predominantly Italian ) products that honour the heritage of owner Stefano . This includes all the Italian Christmas cake
favourites – so there ’ s no better place to purchase a panettone . Chutneys , jams , pickles and preserves shine like jewels on the shelves , and rest assured your Christmas cheeseboard will be no less than magnificent if you buy your fromage here . The helpful and knowledgeable staff , all experts in their field , will help you make those difficult decisions – this includes the professional butchers and designated wine shop . Artisan snacks perfect for whipping out as impressive nibbles are also stocked at Macknade – so if it ’ s quality and taste , with a lot of Kent and a little bit of Italy thrown in – there ’ s no place better .
The Goods Shed , Canterbury www . thegoodsshed . co . uk
A farmer ’ s market , food hall and restaurant all rolled into one , The Goods Shed will not only provide you with a bustling open farmer ’ s market to feast your senses upon , but also an award-winning restaurant which makes the perfect viewing platform to witness the hustle and bustle of this fabulous food metropolis after you ’ ve completed your shop . A great location to buy English wines sourced from local vineyards , you can purchase any treats that have you salivating for more at the in-house butchers , fishmongers , veg stall , bakery , cheesemongers , charcuterie or wine store . Slow-proved loaves are drawn from the ovens in the bakery throughout the day and meat is freshly prepared in the butchery to be cooked in the open kitchen or outside on the grill .
Broadditch Farm Shop , Gravesend www . broadditch . co . uk
Experience Broadditch Farm Shop ’ s Magical Christmas Shop , a wonderland of decorations , festive lights and unusual gifts . A lovely festive addition to this Kentish farm shop , Broadditch will also host a Festive Food Hall , both to open daily until Christmas Eve . The Farm Shop will always have everything you need for your traditional Christmas dinner . You will find shelves bursting with an abundance of fruit , vegetables , condiments , dates , nuts , stuffing , cold meats , cheeses , cream , incredible Christmas hampers , festive cakes and lots more including goose fat for those delicious roast potatoes and chestnuts perfect for roasting .
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