Jo
FOOD + DRINK
On The Grapevine
Driving through the Kent countryside in July is something we may take for granted , but if we notice our surroundings , it isn ’ t unusual to see acres of vineyards in perfect rows on sunny slopes . In some places , like Canterbury and Bluebell Hill , you could be forgiven for thinking you were in Champagne . Our vines are a little behind their French cousins ; the fruit is just starting to appear as very hard green berries that look a little like loose bunches of capers . In Champagne the fruit will be much closer to harvest date , but the grapes in Kent have longer to ripen and develop amazing layers of flavour that you ’ ll notice in the wines .
Now is the perfect time to visit a vineyard . Many of them in Kent have fantastic tours and tastings , and restaurants that serve food matched with their wines . You don ’ t have to know anything about wine to enjoy a vineyard , but you may come away with a new found passion to learn more about this exciting industry that is flourishing in our county , as fruit always has done !
For a real treat , I would visit Squerryes ( www . squerryes . co . uk ) in Westerham round about now . They are a stone ’ s throw from Chartwell , the National Trust property that was once Winston Churchill ’ s home . Squerryes is a sparkling wine producer who were given the idea to grow vines by a Champagne house that tried to buy their land to increase their own vineyard space . This is happening more and more now that our climate in Kent is similar to that of Champagne 30 years ago . Henry Warde and his father John politely declined their offer and decided to plant vines themselves . Now , the sparkling wines are amongst the world ’ s finest , and they consistently win global awards . As a visitor , you can enjoy a wonderful meal in their double AA Rosette restaurant overlooking the vines , or you can simply pop into the deli and cafe . Westerham Brewery is on the same site , so it pretty much ticks all the boxes for everyone .
Next time you ’ re celebrating anything ( as tenuous as you like ) try something reminiscent of Champagne but with wonderful English acidity and the aroma of sun-warmed strawberries . Squerryes Rosé will always fit the bill , whatever the occasion .
Cheers !
Jo
JO GINN , BRAND MANAGER WINE GARDEN OF ENGLAND
jo @ winegardenofengland . com @ winegardenofengland
NATIONAL ACCOLADE FOR CANTERBURY CHEF
Dev Biswal , owner of The Cook ’ s Tale restaurant in Canterbury , is set to receive one of the hospitality industry ’ s most prestigious accolades following a national cook-off competition in London .
Competing in the Asian Oriental & Chef Awards at the University of West London on 20 May , Biswal was named ‘ Best Asian Chef – Outside London ’, and ranked second nationally , separated by just a single point from Jiwal Lal , the executive chef of the Michelin-ranked Babur in south London .
Biswal , who prepared an exquisite starter comprising Kent mackerel with a crab briouat / samosa and Moroccan seafood harira with a main of Bengali-style slowcooked mutton on the bone with a cigar of burnt aubergine and saffron pilaf rice , will be presented with his award at a special ceremony at the House of Lords on 4 July , hosted by Lord Kamall in conjunction with the Asian Catering Federation ( ACF ), who organised the event .
Rajesh Suri , who chaired the panel of judges at the cook off , described the cooking at this year ’ s event as “ on a different level compared to previous years with competing chefs raising the bar , showing great technical ability , and combining fresh ingredients to create some amazing dishes .” He complimented Biswal and Lal as the two standout chefs on the day , picking out Biswal ’ s fish tikka served on a salt slab for particular praise .
120 • www . insidekent . co . uk