FOOD + DRINK
Kent Ice Cream cont.
Kent Ice Cream Makers
Simply Ice Cream // Ashford
Owner of Simply Ice Cream, Sally Newell, ran a catering business for more than 20 years and it was her homemade ice cream that always received the best feedback. This helped Sally to choose a new direction; she would stop catering and focus solely on ice cream instead. And that’ s exactly what happened: Simply Ice Cream is now a premium ice cream brand that is much loved. The fact that ingredients are locally sourced where possible and that the ice cream is free from additives and preservatives makes it even more special.
Try Kentish cobnut fudge, caramelised brown bread, divine chocolate or pistachio( among others) to get the full idea of what Simply Ice Cream is all about. www. simplyicecream. co. uk
Solley’ s // Deal
Milk from Guernsey cows is the best for making ice cream, and since the herd at Solley’ s Farm is from Guernsey, making ice cream was a natural progression for the family run business. This was in 1985, and Solley’ s ice cream has been a firm favourite ever since. With almost all of the base ingredients being sourced locally, this is a true Kentish delight.
Flavours from Solley’ s include traditional vanilla, wild strawberries and cream, iced coffee, salted caramel, blue bubblegum and liquorice allsorts. There are 15 fabulous flavours in total. www. solleysicecream. co. uk
Taywell Ice Cream // Paddock Wood
In 2006, there was a problem. Surplus fruit from farmers’ markets was going to waste. But, then the clever people at Taywells decided that they could use it by making ice cream – after all, if they loved the stuff, surely other people would too? That did, indeed, happen to be the case – in fact, Taywells Ice Cream has won over 20 prestigious Great Taste awards to prove it.
Most of the recipes used to make Taywells ice cream are gluten free, to make it all the more inclusive. There are flavours that include black sesame, cherry, mango and raspberry ripple, Turkish delight and Kent cobnut. www. taywell. com
Kent Ice Cream Shops
Sundae Sundae // Whitstable
Sundae Sundae is a family run business in gorgeous Whitstable, offering homemade ice cream in a variety of exciting flavours including bacon, maple and cobnut. The cones are available gluten free if required, and everything is suitable for vegetarians; there are even some vegan options, particularly when it comes to the luxury sorbets on offer.
As well as ice cream, Sundae Sundae offer everything you need for a fun day out at the beach including crabbing gear and beach toys. www. sundaesundae. co. uk
Mackari’ s // Herne Bay & Sittingbourne
Mackari’ s prides itself on a warm welcome for everyone at all its four locations – three in Herne Bay and one in Sittingbourne. With authentic, expertly made coffee, carefully chosen food options and of course the homemade Italian gelato-style ice cream, you have everything you need here to enjoy a lunch, a snack, or a quick treat.
If you like the idea of mint, peanut butter, rum and raisin, Baileys, apple crumble or banana( as just a few examples) then head down to Mackari’ s. www. makcaris. com
Scoopid // Maidstone
‘ Gelato is the Rolls Royce of ice cream’ states Scoopid’ s website, and they may well have a point. Gelato is Italian ice cream, but made slightly differently to traditional ice cream; there is less buttercream, for example, and it is lighter and less full of fat making the flavours stand out. The texture is utterly smooth. At Scoopid you can experience gelato as it is meant to be... in a plethora of delicious ways.
As well as this famous gelato, Scoopid offer milkshakes – made with their own ice cream, naturally – and waffles. It’ s the perfect place for a treat. www. scoopid. co. uk
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