insideKENT Magazine Issue 97 - April 2020 | Page 86

FOOD+DRINK
K E N T ’S U L T I M A T E F O O D A N D D R I N K C H A M P I O N S , T H E T A S T I E S T F O O D
AND DRINK PRODUCTS, BEST PRODUCERS, G ROWERS, RESTAURANTS, PUBS, AND
SHOPS HAVE BEEN CROWNED:
THE TASTE OF KENT AWARDS
2020
ORGANISED BY PRODUCED IN KENT, THE TASTE OF KENT AWARDS, WHICH ARE NOW IN THEIR
SIXTEENTH YEAR, ARE THE ANNUAL SHOWCASE OF THE VERY BEST PRODUCTS AND FOOD
AND DRINK BUSINESSES ACROSS KENT AND MEDWAY. WINNERS WERE ANNOUNCED AT A
GLITTERING BLACK-TIE DINNER AT THE KENT EVENT CENTRE ON THURSDAY 5 MARCH.
"ALL THE TOKA FINALISTS ARE WINNERS AND
DESERVE OUR CONGRATULATIONS. THE SHEER
HARD WORK THEY HAVE PUT IN, THE MONEY THEY
HAVE INVESTED, THE PERSONAL SACRIFICES THEY
HAVE MADE TO MAKE THEIR BUSINESS INTO A
SUCCESS - ARE AWE-INSPIRING. AND LET’S NOT
FORGET HOW OUR FINALISTS ARE GIVING BACK TO
THE KENT COMMUNITY: THEY CONTRIBUTE TO THE
LOCAL ECONOMY, PROVIDE EMPLOYMENT, LOOK
AFTER OUR BEAUTIFUL COUNTRYSIDE AND CREATE
AWARENESS ABOUT BUYING LOCAL AND
SUSTAINABLE PRODUCE."
FLOORTJE HOETTE,
CHIEF EXECUTIVE, PRODUCED IN KENT
Kent Hop Grower of the Year,
sponsored by BTF Partnership and Shepherd Neame
Winner: GM Day and Sons, East Peckham
Garden of England Champion - Top Fruit,
sponsored by BTF Partnership
Kent’s Tastiest Apple: Jazz variety, grown by
Simon Bray, Monks Farm, Nr Sittingbourne
Kent’s Tastiest Pear: Concorde variety, grown by
Clive and Richard Edmed, Hayle Farm,
Horsmonden
Garden of England Champion - Soft Fruit
and Cherries,
sponsored by Kent County Agricultural Society
Kent’s Tastiest Cherry: Van variety, grown by AC
Hulme & Sons, Hoaden, near Canterbury
Kent’s Tastiest Blackberry: Victoria variety, grown
by Clock House Farm Ltd, Coxheath
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Kent’s Tastiest Strawberry: Katrina variety, grown
by B R Brooks & Son, Goodnestone, Faversham
Kent’s Tastiest Raspberry: Tulameen variety, grown
by J Myatt & Co, Rochester
Kent Beer of the Year,
sponsored by Eurostar International
Winner: Pale Ale Mary
by Northdown Brewery, Margate
Kent Cider or Perry of the Year,
sponsored by Wilkins Kennedy
Winner: Curious Apple by Curious Brewing, Ashford
Kent Food Product Classes,
sponsored by Shepherd Neame
Ambient Class
Winner: Cold Pressed Rapeseed Oil by Morghew
Park Estate, Tenterden
Highly Commended: Beef Dripping by North Downs
Real Food, Lenham
Bakery and Confectionery Class
Winner: Kentish Apple Sourdough
by The Bakehouse at 124, Tonbridge
Highly Commended: Huffkin, Speciality Breads,
Margate
Dairy Class Winner:
Kingcott Blue Cheese by Kingcott Dairy, Staplehurst
Prepared Food Class Winner:
Celeriac and Apple Soup by The Speedy Snail,
East Peckham
Specialist Alcoholic Drink Class Winner:
Rosé Spritz by Maroude, Mereworth
Specialist Non-Alcoholic Drink Class Winner:
Pineapple & Kiwi Edible Tea by Nims Fruit Products,
Sittingbourne