FOOD + DRINK
insideSTORY- FOOD & DRINK NEWS
BOYS HALL UNCORKED: HOMEGROWN TALENT AND ENGLISH SPARKLING WINE
Kent restaurant and hotel Boys Hall has announced the arrival of a new chef duo at the forefront of the kitchen and the launch of their very own English sparkling wine: Seventeen Sovereigns.
Continuing to build on the restaurant’ s sterling reputation and high ambitions, owners Brad and Kristie are thrilled to welcome new head chef duo, Alfie Jebb-Crouch and Joe Winston, who are already working closely with local suppliers and growing herbs and vegetables in the kitchen garden. After rising through the ranks, earning the role of head chef through his talent and tenacity, Boys Hall’ s homegrown success story Joe joins highly experienced Alfie to bring new talent to the kitchen and raise the stakes in Kent’ s culinary scene.
Boys Hall, renowned for championing local talent and produce, are also debuting new Seventeen Sovereigns wine, a 2022 vintage made using traditional methods. The blend uses grape varieties grown on a single vineyard just outside of Canterbury, with 60 % chardonnay, 38 % pinot noir and 2 % pinot meunier. After 12 months on the vine and nine months maturing, the wine’ s profile is delicate yet structured, with a fine mousse, balanced acidity and a finish that lingers.
“ This is something special for Boys Hall,” said owner, Brad.“ It’ s the perfect glass to start dinner with or to celebrate something special; easy drinking with a lovely balance of fruit and acidity.”
KENT FOOD AND DRINK BUSINESSES GET READY FOR AN AI-LED FUTURE
Award-winning service provider Select Technology has announced a new industry partnership with Produced in Kent, the membership organisation championing the county’ s vibrant food and drink sector.
Based in Paddock Wood, Select Technology will become the organisation’ s official partner for AI, automation and innovation. Over the next year, the company will provide support, advice and expertise to a network of more than 300 growers, producers, makers, manufacturers, retailers, pubs, restaurants and other food-service outlets across the county.
Members will be introduced to the company’ s Future Workplace AI and automation consultancy service, designed for small and medium-sized enterprises that are ready to streamline operations, reduce manual effort and unlock smarter ways of working.
“ We’ re thrilled to welcome Select Technology as our AI and innovation partner,” said Produced in Kent’ s business development manager, Jill Sargent.“ Kent’ s food and drink sector is bursting with creativity, but producers also face the challenge of staying competitive in a fast-changing world. This partnership will give our members the tools and confidence to embrace new technology, helping them grow while staying true to the values that makes Kent’ s produce so unique.” www. insidekent. co. uk • 123