Jo
FOOD + DRINK
GOOD FOOD GUIDE 2024 RECOGNITION FOR FOLKESTONE ’ S LITTLE ROCK
Housed within a shipping container , beachside fish restaurant , Little Rock , has been recognised by The Good Food Guide for its fresh , local and seasonal fish and seafood .
On The Grapevine
If you visit your local vineyard this week you will notice that the grapes are looking like they might actually make wine one day , although they will be far from ripe , and if you try one it will strip most of the enamel from your teeth . In a month ’ s time some of the earlier ripening varieties will be nearly ready to harvest , as long as we get some warm summer days over the next few weeks . Around now , many vineyards are looking for local help in harvesting . It ’ s a great opportunity to learn more about this exciting new industry that has taken root in Kent . Many of the vineyards will reward you with lunch and a bottle of wine to take home . It ’ s a very sociable activity , and one that many people return to do year after year . Check your local vineyards ’ websites if you ’ d like to get involved this Autumn .
What ’ s the drink you associate with lazy summer days ? It used to be Pimms but that has been taken over by rosé , the most popular coming from Provence in Southern France . These delightfully pretty , delicate , dry wines are never far from our garden tables at this time of year . Did you know that Kent makes a huge range of equally gorgeous rosés , with the added benefit of that refreshing English acidity and sunwarmed PYO strawberries ? There are far too many to recommend on these pages but for starters , try the Yotes Court ‘ Best Turned Out ’, Simpsons Railway Hill and Nanette ’ s Rosé from Balfour . Gusbourne , known for their exceptional sparkling wines , releases a still rosé , ‘ English Rose ’ every summer and sells out before the year ’ s harvest . Get some while you can !
Talking of Gusbourne reminds me of the amazing Estate Tour I joined this time last year . It ’ s a whole day of walking the vines , tasting their wonderful wines and eating exceptional food . Their passionate hosts are knowledgeable , friendly and generous with their pours . You will not regret ordering a taxi , and it ’ s only 20 minutes from Ashford International . Check their website for this and many other experiences that will open your mind to the joys of English wine .
The Good Food Guide , an independent organisation who compiles a list of the best dining out spots across the UK , review said : “ Adjacent to the Harbour Arm , the pebble-strewn beach crisscrossed with boardwalks brings a bit of sophistication to rapidly regenerating Folkestone , and one of its prime attractions is Little Rock – a poshed-up shipping container turned fish restaurant . It ’ s family-friendly too ( just plain friendly , in fact ), with a chilled-out vibe and ample outdoor seating – a truly Mediterranean experience on a hot summer ’ s day . As you ’ d hope , the local catch appears in dishes such as grilled skate or lemon sole , perhaps with caper butter . Pale-ale battered cod cheeks with tartare sauce and skin-on fries are popular , as are bowls of Cornish mussels . Good selection of European wines .”
Having recently celebrated 3 years on the Folkestone seafront , Little Rock opens 7 days a week for summer and Wednesday to Sunday serving brunch at the weekends , lunch from midday and dinner from 5pm until 8pm ( 6pm on Sunday ) in off peak months .
If , like me , you leave it to the last minute to book a holiday , why not explore more of Kent ? You can experience amazing English wines in the most luxurious places , such as The Gallivant in Camber Sands and Boys Hall in Ashford . Maybe you don ’ t need to travel too far to really get away .
Wherever you are this summer , try English rosé and raise your glass to Kent !
Jo
JO GINN , BRAND MANAGER WINE GARDEN OF ENGLAND
jo @ winegardenofengland . com winegardenofengland
106 • www . insidekent . co . uk