Jill
FOOD + DRINK
SPOTLIGHT ON SOME OF KENT’ S BEST- KEPT SECRETS
Kent is bursting with incredible food and drink businesses, but unless you’ re in the know, you might be missing out on some real gems. As someone who spends every day talking to local producers, I thought I’ d share just a few of my favourites.
Bakery Delights Kent’ s bakers have truly raised the bar in recent years, whether it’ s sourdough or sweet treats. If you’ re in Folkestone, don’ t miss Docker Bakery, where they still use their original sourdough starter and heat their ovens with sustainable wood pellets. Over in Bishopsbourne, Gilda Bakery takes creativity to the next level with innovative flavour combinations and ever-changing seasonal specials.
A Step Back in Time For a taste of tradition, visit S. W. Doughty in Doddington. With over 140 years of butchery experience and 100 years of trading from the same site, they offer impeccable customer service alongside top quality, locally sourced meat. Don’ t leave without trying their homemade pies and pastries – their sausage rolls are the stuff of legend.
MARCH: Rhubarb & Wild Garlic In early spring, Kentish rhubarb comes to life, known for its vibrant colour and tangy, tart taste, perfect for crumbles, jams and tarts. Alongside it, wild garlic( also known as ramsons) begins to grow in the woods, offering a delicious, garlicky punch to early spring dishes and perfect for pesto and sauces.
Try: Broadditch Farm Shop near Gravesend for fresh-cut rhubarb and local foragers like Wild Classroom Kent for guided wild garlic foraging experiences.
APRIL: Spring Greens & Venison( Late Season) As April signals the start of spring, venison continues to be in season, still available as the last of the winter game before warmer weather sets in. Spring greens, wild garlic and new potatoes start to emerge, offering fresh, light options for the brighter months ahead.
Try: Silcocks Farm Shop in Tenterden for fresh-picked greens and local meat, including venison cuts from nearby estates and Morghew- best known as The Potato Shop- for their incredible range of locally grown potatoes and fresh wild garlic too!
Kent’ s produce reflects its deep-rooted farming traditions and coastal heritage. Thanks to the efforts of dedicated producers in the county and of course Produced in Kent members, you can eat with the seasons while supporting the county’ s most passionate growers, makers, fishers and foragers.
A Sweet Tooth’ s Dream In Maidstone, N2 Sweet Lab is a must-visit for dessert lovers. Think Willy Wonka for grownups – indulgent cakes, luxurious chocolates and even hands-on workshops if you fancy creating your own treats. Owners Ned and Nina have mastered the art of decadence, making this spot a paradise for chocoholics.
Discover Kent’ s Hidden Gems from Home Want to uncover more of Kent’ s foodie treasures without even leaving your house? The Kent Discovery Box brings a handpicked selection of locally made products straight to your door each month. Supporting small producers, this subscription box introduces you to both handcrafted goodness and the passionate people behind it, plus you save £ 5! Find out more at producedinkent. co. uk / discovery-box.
With so many incredible producers to explore, Kent is a food lover’ s dream – it’ s time to start discovering its best-kept secrets for yourself …
Jill
JILL SARGENT BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER PRODUCED IN KENT producedinkent. co. uk producedinkent
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