insideKENT Magazine Issue 163 - November 2025 | Page 121

Jill
FOOD + DRINK iK’ S TOP FIVE MARVELLOUS MINCE PIE PITSTOPS
Gently spiced and offering all the warmth and comfort, mince pies are a Christmas staple- and luckily for us, Kent’ s praised bakers offer some of the very finest.
GILDA BAKERY, BISHOPSBOURNE gildabakery. com Renowned for their artisan bakes, Gilda’ s mince pies are rich and buttery, and packed with all the nostalgic flavours that keep loyal fans returning year after year.
FLORENCE’ S ARTISAN BAKERY, HYTHE florencesartisanbakery A trendy bakery on the high street whose sweet and crumbly mince pies pair perfectly with an expertly brewed coffee or a warming hot chocolate.
TRUDY’ S PIES, TENTERDEN trudys-pies. co. uk Handcrafted and baked to order, Trudy’ s scrumptious mince pies are filled with succulent fruit, nuts and spices, infused with brandy and encased in sweet pastry topped with a sprinkling of sugar.
DOCKER BAKERY, FOLKESTONE dockerbakery. com Known for their award-winning sourdough, Docker’ s take on the traditional mince pie often showcases its own creative edge- think bold flavours and a rustic, hearty finish.
HALSTEAD BAKERY, TUNBRIDGE WELLS halsteadbakery. com This beloved bakery is prided on its collaborations with local producers that create the most outstanding bakes- including, of course, tasty mince pies once the festive season has begun.
GILDA BAKERY

FESTIVE FEASTING: CELEBRATE LOCAL THIS SEASON

There’ s nothing I love more than sharing good food with friends and family. For me, it’ s always about supporting local, independent venues- those who go the extra mile to source ingredients nearby and cook with care and passion. All that’ s left for us to do is relax, enjoy the company and, best of all, no washing up! Now is the perfect time to plan some festive get-togethers and we’ re spoiled for choice here in Kent.

In Canterbury, The Corner House is tucked away on the edge of the city centre. With its cosy, welcoming atmosphere, it’ s a brilliant spot for small groups to catch up and enjoy a menu that champions local produce, like Matt’ s famous lamb shoulder and dauphinoise potatoes- it’ s a real crowd pleaser.
Over in Deal, V Gastro & Bar offers modern, eclectic dishes inspired by British and European food cultures. Add in a carefully chosen English wine list and you’ ve got the perfect place for a stylish festive meal.
If Tenterden is on your list, head to The Print House at the end of the high street. This contemporary inn serves up tradition with a twist. Slow-braised short ribs or oat and thyme crusted hake anyone? Think roaring fires and a warm welcome- ideal for family feasts or fun evenings with friends.
For a field-to-fork festive menu which includes their awardwinning Christmas pud, head to Frasers in Egerton. Nestled in beautiful countryside, it’ s the perfect setting to bring the family together over lunch or dinner- all the trimmings and none of the hassle.
Wherever you choose, make it local this season. Let’ s raise a glass to the incredible hospitality businesses across Kent working hard so we can enjoy delicious food and quality time with the people who matter most.

Jill

© Ashleigh Britten
JILL SARGENT BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER PRODUCED IN KENT producedinkent. co. uk producedinkent
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