Susie
FOOD + DRINK
WHITE FINCH BAKERY
A LOCAL LOVE-IN : CELEBRATING KENT ’ S PRODUCERS , ARTISTS AND ARTISANS
February might be the month of love , but we ’ re looking beyond the heart-shaped chocolate boxes and searching for something more meaningful : a celebration of Kent ’ s makers and bakers . From food producers to artists and artisans , we ’ re here to champion the innovative talent homegrown here in Kent .
Starting with Rustic Badger Restoration in Ashford , this ingenious company breathes new life into wooden barrels , transforming them into stunning furniture like bars , stools , and even bottle openers . Next to Medway , where Kent Glass Engraving is a testament to design and precision , with bespoke designs including the traditional celebratory inscriptions to children ’ s artistry immortalised in beautiful glassware .
Over in Rodmersham , Monique at Green Cottages teaches baking artistry . Her sourdough and baking workshops offer more than recipes ; they ’ re a chance to connect with food and tradition in a truly fulfilling and mindful way .
If you ’ re wanting to cook some warming winter dishes , consider taking a trip to SW Doughty Butchers , which has been selling quality meat in Doddington for over 100 years . In 2021 , the Doughty family passed the baton to Hole Street Farm , who has been supplying the shop with its local beef and lamb for over 40 years and wasn ’ t ready to stop .
No dish is complete without vegetables and February might have frost lying hard on the ground but don ’ t make the mistake of thinking that there ’ s nothing in season when leeks , parsnips , kale , broccoli and Brussels sprouts are at their best , alongside vibrant forced rhubarb – a winter favourite . Local producers are embracing these ingredients in innovative ways such as Myatt ’ s Rhubarb Fizz , created to use surplus fruit from its Rochester-based family farm .
So , let ’ s have a local love-in with our local artists and artisans this month by telling your friends and sharing on social media - better still , pay them a visit and make a purchase or two of your own .
Susie
SUSIE WARREN-SMITH CBE CHAIR PRODUCED IN KENT producedinkent . co . uk producedinkent
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