Jo
FOOD + DRINK
KENT PUB INVESTMENT FOR BALFOUR
On The Grapevine
I
’ m writing this with horizontal rain lashing against the windows and a heated cushion on my lap , but I know that when you read this we ’ ll all be feeling the spring sunshine on our faces and looking forward to more time spent exploring the Kent countryside .
Vineyard workers have finally finished winter pruning ; a skilled job where you choose which canes to keep for next season ’ s growth . Imagine doing that with 55,000 vines throughout the winter . Westwell ( www . westwellwines . com ) is one such vineyard that is pretty relieved to have finished that work and can now look forward to some blending and bottling , ready to release their new wines in the early summer . Everyone who visits Westwell comes away feeling like they ’ ve been given unique access to the inner workings of a winery . It ’ s always such a memorable experience and the wines are delicious . The vines overlook the spectacular North Downs , with the Pilgrims ’ Way running alongside the estate . Their signature sparkling wine takes its name from the old English ‘ pelegrim ’ and it tells the story of Westwell perfectly - modern winemaking with traditional values . I ’ m looking forward to their outdoor cinema amongst the vines and the incredible sourdough pizza on Friday nights … roll on summer !
If you fancy a trip to Westwell , it ’ s just 15 minutes from Ashford International . For a really special weekend , you could stay at the nearby Boys Hall ( www . boys-hall . com ), a beautifully restored hotel and restaurant tucked away in the centre of Ashford with an awardwinning menu and Kentish wine list .
A great way to find out more about your local vineyards is to come to our Summer Celebration on 8 June at Chilham Castle . All of our producers will be there including our newest vineyard , Yotes Court ! You ’ ll be hearing lots more about them over the coming weeks . To toast their arrival , I ’ ll be opening their new release LiveLoveLaugh - it ’ s a lively sparkler made with pinot gris ( the same variety as Italy ’ s pinot grigio ) and it would make the perfect appetiser . If you ’ re in Tonbridge or West Malling , they are not far from you - check their website - www . yotescourt . co . uk - for how to visit and see their breathtaking vineyard for yourself .
Balfour Hospitality , the esteemed pubs and venues division of Balfour Winery , has recently secured the freehold of two iconic local establishments : The Goudhurst Inn in Goudhurst and The Tickled Trout in West Farleigh . As part of their commitment to supporting the local Kent communities , Balfour aims to preserve these historic 18th-century pubs amid the ongoing struggles faced by many UK pubs due to escalating costs .
Balfour not only acquired the freehold , but is also investing in exterior renovations , new menus , enhanced community access and new management teams for each pub aiming to proudly showcase Balfour ’ s award-winning English wines alongside a commitment to local and seasonal produce .
Despite economic challenges and a national recession , Balfour ’ s management remains optimistic about the future , viewing traditional local pubs as integral community hubs .
“ At Balfour , we firmly believe there is still a role for pubs in the heart of their towns serving local foods , beers and wines . We love the areas around our pubs and our teams are all firmly focused on connecting with their communities as a hub for all ,” explains Lee Hart , Balfour Hospitality ’ s operations director .
In a bid to further strengthen community ties , Balfour has also introduced a ‘ Locals ’
Discount ’ at selected sites including The Goudhurst Inn and The Tickled Trout , as well as The Woolpack ( Tenterden ), The Windmill ( Hollingbourne ) and The Ship Inn ( Rye ), offering 15 % off all food , drink and even bedrooms .
To receive the generous discounts , residents need only ask at the bar for their Locals ’ Discount card and , after a quick registration , can start enjoying 15 % off straight away .
To secure your tickets for our Summer Celebration , please visit : www . winegardenofengland . co . uk
Jo
JO GINN , BRAND MANAGER WINE GARDEN OF ENGLAND
jo @ winegardenofengland . com @ winegardenofengland
112 • www . insidekent . co . uk