FOOD + DRINK
THE KENT FOOD MAP 2026
BOASTING MILES OF COASTLINE AND ACRES OF LUSH PASTURES, ORCHARDS AND THRIVING VINES, NOT TO MENTION AN IDEAL CLIMATE AND TERRAIN FOR GROWING BOUNTIFUL PRODUCE AND A RICH AGRICULTURAL HERITAGE THAT’ S EVOLVED AND THRIVED OVER DECADES, KENT IS SYNONYMOUS WITH EXCEPTIONAL FOOD. IT ONLY TAKES A GLIMPSE OF ITS PLENTIFUL OFFERINGS TO SEE WHY.
While the Garden of England’ s ever-impressive producers are enough to command attention, equally renowned are Kent’ s exceptionally talented culinary masters, who have transformed the county into a must-visit gastronomic destination, breathing vibrancy, innovation and refined technique into perfected dishes that place Kent’ s finest ingredients front and centre. With another year of culinary revelry unfolding, join us as we share a snapshot of the wonderful growers, producers, wineries, creators, cafés and acclaimed foodie hotspots that have secured Kent’ s rightful place on the food map for 2026.
TONY FLECK © Saltwick Media
PRODUCE
1. Paley Farm, Cranbrook paleyfarm. co. uk
Raising native and rare breeds to the highest welfare and environmental standards to produce delicious 100 % grass-fed meat, Paley Farm is a traditional livestock farm and butchers who are big on combining traditional values with the farming of native breeds to create quality local produce, while improving the surrounding environment.
2. Stour Valley Game & Butchers, Chilham stourvalleygame. com
Family-run butchers specialising in highquality game meat. Established in 2011, Stour Valley sources meat from local estates and farms, ensuring that the animals are reared ethically and sustainably. Offering a wide range of products including beef, chicken, lamb, venison, pheasant, partridge, wild boar and game birds.
3. Romney Marsh Lamb
Raised on the salt-rich grasses of Kent’ s marshland, Romney Marsh lamb offers a beautiful tender meat with a distinct flavour.
4. Kent Turkeys, Biddenden kentturkeys. co. uk
Ethically reared, award-winning free-range turkeys that always deliver in quality, freshness and flavour. Owner of Kent Turkeys, Tony Fleck has been a KellyBronze farmer for over 20 years and is one of the only KellyBronze farmers in Kent.
5. Dover Sole
A popular, melt-in-the-mouth flatfish which, while widely fished from waters of the Atlantic, is named after the town’ s port where it was regularly landed and exported during the 19th century.
6. Hinxden Farm Dairy, Benenden hinxdenfarmdairy. co. uk
Home to the Manford family for the past four generations, Hinxton Dairy’ s herds of Pedigree Holstein and Guernsey cows graze happily in the heart of the Kentish countryside. The farm pasteurises and bottles fresh milk, as well as making delightful cream, yogurt, crème fraîche, cheese and butter.
7. Rye Bay Scallops
Sustainably harvested along the waters of Rye Bay, these tender delicacies are widely known for their cut-above-therest flavours. Rye Bay Scallop Week is a glorious celebration for the seafood, generally taking place across the town every February.
8. Whitstable Oysters
Whitstable has long been celebrated for its wonderful oysters, with its connection stretching back nearly 2,000 years. Its prime position on the nutrient-rich waters of the Thames Estuary is ideal for oyster beds growing numerous popular and native varieties.
9. Cheesemakers of Canterbury, Canterbury cheesemakersofcanterbury. co. uk
Home to the award-winning Ashmore Farmhouse and Kelly’ s Canterbury Goat, alongside a wide selection of other
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