FOOD + DRINK
The Pig & Sty, Bethersden elitepubs. com / venue / the-pig-and-sty
THE PIG & STY
Situated in the quaint village of Bethersden, Elite Pubs’ The Pig & Sty is a rustic, familyfriendly pub and restaurant serving farmfresh food, with 85 % of ingredients sourced within a 25-mile radius of one of their pubs, and a large selection of local craft gins, beers and ales.
Inviting, warm and a year-round favourite for its open fires, heated terrace and garden area, The Pig & Sty prides itself on being home to one of the most unique private dining rooms in the Kentish countryside. Positioned away from the main restaurant, the pub’ s wonderful Rocking Horse room can seat up to 25 guests for private dining and takes its inspiration from a craft workshop, showcasing a quirky collection of rocking horse pieces from the renowned Stevenson Brothers. For something a little more intimate, up to eight guests can also drink and dine within a seasonally dressed alfresco Adventure Shack set within the gardens.
The Dining Club, Deal thediningclubdeal. co. uk
Priding themselves on being not just a restaurant, but instead a unique dining adventure that invites loved ones to pore over good food and good company in an array of private settings, The Dining Club is all about eating experiences built upon connection and enjoyment.
Similarly to your very own private dinner party with an individual room offered to each booking, founders Scott and Suzanne Roberts- Scott an experienced chef who has previously won two AA Rosettes while running his family-owned hotel in north Cornwall, and Suzanne who holds over 30 years of experience within the hospitality industry- offer an unparalleled service that can be as discreet or familiar as your evening requires.
The pioneering couple offer a weekly changing set menu dependent on the highest quality local produce available, with ever-changing themes of a wealth of global cuisines also keeping things fresh and exciting. Each of the five rooms is also decorated in their own contemporary Georgian style and suit a range of different group sizes- or you can hire the entire venue and choose a menu to suit your party for those extra special occasions.
PRIVATE DINING: MAKE IT PERSONAL
I’ ve recently stepped into the role of chair at Produced in Kent and I couldn’ t be more energised. With a background in fresh produce and a passion for food, farming and the rural economy, I’ m here to champion the businesses shaping Kent’ s future- and that includes the incredible local talent redefining private dining.
February can be a funny old month. We’ re still deep in hibernation mode: cold mornings, early nights … but already our thoughts are turning to the year ahead. What are we planning? Who are we gathering? And most importantly, what are we eating?
This is the perfect time to think about events such as milestone birthdays, work celebrations and overdue dinners with friends. And in Kent, we’ re spoiled for choice when it comes to caterers who do things properly- with passion, personality and produce that’ s grown just down the road.
Take Nordic House; with their Scandinavian-British menus, Michelin-trained chefs and a strong commitment to sustainability, they bring elegant, considered dining into your home or venue- minus the faff.
Bear N Mind Catering is all about vibrant, nourishing food that doesn’ t skimp on flavour. Chef Ian’ s energy is infectious and whether he’ s running a supper club or delivering meal boxes, he makes healthy eating feel like a celebration.
Then there’ s Wilson’ s Provisions, quietly making some of the most robust, farm-led food in the county. Based in a converted barn near Ash, they’ ll fill your table with pies, pickles, braises and more- real food with real roots.
And for the drinks? Wild Box brings Kentish cocktails to the party. Think local spirits, fresh fruit and mobile bars that turn any space into something special.
Private dining isn’ t just convenient- it’ s personal. And when it’ s done by people who live and breathe Kentish produce, it’ s unforgettable.
Carol
CAROL FORD CHAIR OF PRODUCED IN KENT producedinkent. co. uk producedinkent
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