insideKENT Magazine Issue 32 - November 2014 | Page 62

FOOD+DRINK

A Kentish Christmas
We all have our own Christmas traditions; whether it’s decorating the tree as a family,
a visit to Santa’s grotto (whatever your age), carol singing on Christmas Eve, or making
mulled cider on Christmas morning, these traditions are personal and perfect, and are
what makes a Christmas. BY L I S A M A RI E L A MB
One of the most – if not the most – important Christmas traditions is the
food and drink. Imagine a Christmas Day with no turkey or Brussels sprouts.
Imagine no leftovers for Boxing Day (your mouth-watering bubble and
squeak and cold meat and pickle). Imagine no chocolate, no sweets, no
dessert, no wine…

Desserts & Sweet Treats
If you are looking for a tasty
Christmas pudding made in the
traditional way, then Rachel’s
Pantry in Faversham
(www.rachelspantry.co.uk) is where
you will find it. The puds here are
made from an old family recipe, but
can also be found in gluten free and
vegetarian versions if you prefer.
Every pudding is made by hand,
and the taste bears this out
wonderfully.

Now stop imagining it because, living in Kent, there is never any reason
why your Christmas shouldn’t be jam-packed full of the best in locally
produced meat, vegetables, and naughty treats!
Buying locally is important. It means that fewer food miles are needed to
get the produce from the farm, field, vineyard or bakery to your table, and
that means that the environment is healthier. Buying locally also means that
you are helping to sustain and maintain the local economy, allowing for
more independent, interesting shops and businesses to open up, which
is good for everyone.
So where in Kent can you shop for your Christmas feast? Here are a few
of our favourite places:

Turkey

Vegetables
Kelsey’s Farm Shop in Sidcup
(www.kelseysfarmshop.co.uk) has
everything you could possibly need
when it comes to your Christmas
veg. This organic farm specialises
in seasonal vegetables, so it’s ideal
for grabbing your sprouts, carrots,
and potatoes for the big day. To
help with the shopping there is even
a soft play area for the little ones,
leaving you more time to browse!
With one of the largest displays of
fruit and veg in the county (perhaps
even the country), Perry Court
Farm in Bilting, Ashford
(www.perrycourtfarm.co.uk), will be
able to cater to your every need for
your sumptuous Christmas feast.
Go along for the traditional fare,
and you might spot something a
little different to try as well. Or have
your food delivered to your door if
you prefer.

Coombe Farm, Sutton Valance (www.coombefarmkent.co.uk), has been
rearing KellyBronze turkeys for 13 years now, and promises that these birds
are juicy, tasty, and big enough to feed any size family. Since the turkeys
are butchered at a mature age, the cooking time is less so they are perfect
when you’ve got a lot to do on Christmas morning!
Appledore Turkeys (www.appledoreturkeys.co.uk) is based in the Romney
Marsh, but there are a number of stockists throughout Kent, including
shops in West Malling, Canterbury, Seal Chart, and Cranbrook. This family
farm has been rearing turkeys for decades, and even the youngest members
of the family get involved. You can be sure that you will get a succulent,
melt-in-the-mouth meal when you cook one of these birds.

Another firm favourite is
Canterbury’s The Goods Shed
(www.thegoodsshed.co.uk).
Featuring a huge variety of fresh
veg, plus lots more including fine
Kentish cheese, a butchery, fish
stall, and more, you’ll find almost
everything you need for your
Christmas feast under one roof.

The free range turkeys at Duckpit Valley Farm in Canterbury
(www.duckpitvalley.co.uk) are hand reared, hand selected, and hand
plucked. The result of this special attention is a moist, succulent bird that
will be a beautiful centrepiece for your Christmas Day meal.

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For your mince pie and yule log
needs why not try Rusbridge
Family Bakery
(www.rusbridgefamilybakery.co.uk)
Although based in Southborough,
they are to be found at farmers’
markets throughout Kent (including
Yalding, Shipbourne, and
Horsmonden). There is also a cake
making service, so if you require
anything extra it is only a phone call
or email away.

Wine
Kentish wine is becoming more and
more well known, and for good
reason. Whether you opt for the
crisp white, the fruity red, or the
luxurious sparkling varieties, your
Kentish Christmas will be finished
perfectly with a bottle (or two) from
a local producer. Try Terlingham
Vineyard in Folkestone
(www.terlinghamvineyard.co.uk) for
award-winning wine by the bottle
or the case. Hush Heath Winery
(www.hushheath.com) produces
outstanding sparkling wine, but also
has a magnificent cider that has to
be tried, and when mulled it is
absolutely stunning!
We can’t possibly forget Chapel
Down Winery
(www.chapeldown.com) with its
selection of beautiful wines including
English Rose and Union Red.
Another Kentish gem is Biddenden
Vineyards’ wines, including their
spectacular award-winning Ortega
– perfect with your Christmas turkey
.