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FOOD + DRINK
DEBUT RESTAURANT LAUNCH FOR ROBIN READ
Following years of planning , and developing a loyal following from pop-ups and private dining , ex Firmdale Hotels executive chef Robin Read has opened his debut restaurant , The Counter in Tunbridge Wells .
Working with wife Greta Boccia , Read has taken on a 200-year Georgian building in the heart of the Royal town , with The Counter offering a main restaurant with table and counter dining , private dining room , small wine bar and courtyard garden ; from which they will grow herbs , salads and brassicas .
With an ethos of classic cookery and a curious mind for new technique , The Counter ’ s choice of five- , eight- and 10-course tasting menus , costing £ 60 , £ 95 , and £ 125 respectively , will showcase the best seasonal and local produce , predominantly from Kent and Sussex , with dishes such as cured mackerel croustade with broccoli purée , Birchden asparagus and seaweed , and seaweed confit potatoes . The ten-course menu is offered at the namesake counter , offering diners an interactive experience watching Robin and his team of chefs cook and plate up a more experimental menu right at the pass .
© Stuart Mack
GUSBOURNE HONOURED WITH A KING ’ S AWARD FOR ENTERPRISE
Leading English wine producer Gusbourne has been honoured with a King ’ s Award for Enterprise for International Trade ; one of 252 organisations to be nationally recognised .
Founded in 2004 , when the first vineyards were planted in Appledore , Gusbourne today employs 94 people , and produces and distributes a range of high-quality and award-winning vintage English sparkling and still wines ; using only grapes grown in its own vineyards in Kent and West Sussex .
Commenting on the award , Jonathan White said : “ We are incredibly honoured to receive this prestigious award in a category that is becoming increasingly important to our business . As an English wine producer , expanding our reach through international trade is a key focus and one of our strategic growth drivers . We are continuously looking at ways to expand our distribution and awareness overseas to enable us to share the finest English wine with enthusiasts worldwide . Receiving the King ’ s Award for Enterprise in International Trade is a testament to the dedication and commitment of the whole Gusbourne team and I am delighted that their efforts have been rewarded . I am absolutely thrilled to be leading such a thriving , dynamic wine producer , and want to thank everyone at Gusbourne for their ongoing commitment to driving our business forwards .”
The King ’ s Awards for Enterprise was renamed last year to reflect His Majesty The King ’ s desire to continue the legacy of HM Queen Elizabeth II in recognising outstanding UK businesses . The Awards programme , now in its 58th year , is the most prestigious business award in the country , with successful businesses able to use the esteemed King ’ s Awards Emblem for the next five years . www . insidekent . co . uk • 139