FOOD + DRINK
Hops and Apples and Beer- Oh My! cont...
A true Kentish brewery from grain to glass, Westerham Brewery boasts one of the best uses of locally grown hops around. Working closely with the county’ s top growers including Scotney Castle Estate and the Finchcocks’ hop gardens in Goudhurst, 80 % of the hops used by the Westerham team are grown right here in the Garden of England- with an outstanding nine different varieties of Kentish hops used alone in their heralded pale ale, Spirit of Kent.
Hopfuzz Brewery, Hythe hopfuzz. co. uk
Ever since enthusiastic Hopfuzz head brewer Daryl returned from his travels learning about the brewing trade in the Blue Mountains of Australia, this imaginative and eco-conscious West Hythe brewery that began with a tiny homebrew process has brilliantly expanded into a bespoke 900-litre system creating some of the county’ s most talked about beers- from great malty bitters and sweet stouts to punchy experimental brews.
Curious Brewery, Ashford curiousbrewery. com
Always crafting with a championed curiosity within their state-of-the art Ashford brewery, Curious’ s awarded lagers, IPAs and ciders are not only a triumphant result of an innovative brewhouse, expert team and quality ingredients, but a testament to their daring nature- particularly in their Curious Brew lager, which is fermented with Champagne yeast and a dosage of rare Nelson Sauvin hops for a cleaner, fruitier and more aromatic finish.
While a behind-the-scenes brewery tour is the best way to see genius brewing in action, simply unmissable is a visit to the on-site taproom and restaurant. A trendy, laid-back dining space overlooking the brewery, sample a variety of excellent brews alongside a crowdpleasing menu of complementary eats- the Curious beer battered fish and chips being a must-try.
Larkins Brewery, Chiddingstone larkinsbrewery. co. uk
A remarkable family history of hop growing and beermaking has shaped Larkins Brewery into the Chiddingstone jewel it is today. Founded in 1986 by Marjorie and Ted Dockerty alongside their son Bob, the brewery’ s rich range of beers, comprising three standard and two seasonal varieties, is made using only classic hop varieties grown on Larkins Farm: Goldings, Bramling Cross and Whitbread Goldings. Only using whole hop cones and no added sugars to ensure that their beverages are as natural as can be, as well as fermenting with a carefully guarded strain of live ale yeast, Larkins offers a true taste of traditional Kentish beer at its finest.
Floc. Brewery & Taproom, Canterbury & Folkestone flocbrewing. com
A vibrant, community-first modern brewery celebrating craftsmanship and collaboration with every brew. With a flavourful collection of vegan beers created with an aim to bring joy and excitement to those who drink them, Floc.’ s two popular venues- a main brewery and taproom in Canterbury and a shiny container bar at the Goods Yard on Folkestone Harbour- are prided on their warm, inclusive and accessible environments that are perfect to revel in a world-class pint or two.
Pig & Porter, Tunbridge Wells pigandporter. co. uk
Rightfully earning themselves a glowing reputation for their interesting beers that are often designed with delicious food pairings in mind, Pig & Porter’ s journey- from an event catering business trying their hand at brewing to taking over the former Royal Tunbridge Wells brewery- has been filled with passionate experimental brews that combine traditional techniques with unmissable contemporary ideas. Try their Target mild ale and relish notes of dark chocolate and subtle coffee, or opt for the brewery’ s Jumping Frog pale ale, an aromatic beer with notes of stone fruits and a hint of coconut.
PRESSED TO PERFECTION
Kentish Pip, Bekesbourne kentishpip. co. uk
Since Herbert Mount began growing fruit and vegetables at Woolton Farm over 100 years ago, apples have been at the heart of the Mount family’ s farming story. Four generations later, the farm is now a thriving mixed crop farm with a burgeoning drinks business which officially began in 2012 when Mark Mount started to press apples by hand in his garden to create the cider we now know as Kentish Pip.
Striving to produce the next generation of Great British cider with innovation, style and a pinch of tradition, Kentish Pip today has an award-winning range of still and sparkling ciders showcasing a combination of culinary, dessert and heritage cider apples. With all stages of production from pressing and fermentation to maturing and blending taking place on the farm, a guided cider tour and tasting here is sure to impress, with guests also invited to make the most of the farm’ s wonderful barn complete with a fullystocked bar and pizza kitchen.
Kicking Goat Cider, Egerton kickinggoatcider. co. uk
A characterful cidery that stretches its provenance and flavour-first philosophy from the flourishing fields of Somerset to a blossoming 130-acre family orchard overlooking the Kentish Weald. Kicking Goat’ s growing Kent range uses the handselected and carefully blended apple varieties of Kentish Gala, Cox, Bramley, Red Windsor, Lilibet, Russett, Smitten and Greensleeves to create a fresh, light and sweetly flavoured artisan cider.
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