FOOD & DRINK : FARM TO FORK
FROM FARM TO FORK
Celebrated for being The Garden of England , Kent is abundant with farms of fresh produce , orchards of fruit , fields of vegetables and hillsides covered with hops and vines . In turn , farm shops , eateries and restaurants have sprung up all over the county showcasing the very best of what Kent ’ s fertile soil has given rise to . With sustainable practices and honest good food at the heart of each ethos , these businesses have evolved from the traditional roadside farm shops of days gone by ( although the wholesomeness has remained ) and become foodie havens to be pored over and wholeheartedly enjoyed .
Macknade , Faversham Macknade is a family establishment and so much more than just a farm shop and café . Six generations and 175 years of family farming , along with an abundance of passion and dedication , has helped Macknade evolve into the marvel it is today . Home to a beautifully stocked farm shop , delightful eatery , their very own butcher , a delicious deli-counter , fabulous florist and a tempting ‘ food village ’ showcasing hand-picked independent food vendors for customers to sample and enjoy in a sunny seating area . Find a diverse range of vibrant local produce and upmarket international , predominantly Italian , products that honour the heritage of owner , Stefano . www . macknade . com
The Goods Shed , Canterbury A farmers ’ market , food hall and Michelin-listed restaurant all rolled into one , The Goods Shed will not only provide you with a bustling open farmers ’ market to feast your senses upon , but also an award-winning restaurant , which uses local market produce to whisk you off to a gastronomic heaven . With a delicious menu consisting of dishes made up of local , seasonal produce , as well as English wines sourced from local vineyards , you can purchase your own ingredients from the in-house butchers , fishmongers , veg stall , bakery , cheesemongers , charcuterie and wine store . The compact and carefully crafted menu changes regularly , using the best local ingredients the market has to offer . www . thegoodsshed . co . uk
Juliet ’ s Farm Shop and Café , Ash Vibrant rural café serving great brunches , light meals , cakes and strong coffee . A neat little farm shop selling Kentish produce is attached . @ julietsfarmshopandcafe
Gibson ’ s , Wingham The home of Kent ’ s finest foods . Immaculate and vast farmshop with deli and bakery counters , a florist , butchery , ample fresh produce and meticulously selected Kentish products and gifts . Visit the café , which leads out into an orchard , serving light meals , breakfasts and homemade cakes . www . gibsonsfarmshop . com
The Ivy Barn , Littlebourne Run by a dynamic mother and daughter team from a local farming family , The Ivy Barn offers fresh produce alongside a bright and airy eatery , serving up simple coffee shop favourites made from locally farmed ingredients . www . facebook . com / the-ivy-barn
Algar Lodge Farm Shop & Cafe , Deal A family-run farm shop with an in-house butchery , deli and bakery . Showcasing a variety of fresh and homemade produce ; the great tastes of Kent ! The café serves breakfast and lunch all day , with a wide selection of vegetarian , vegan and gluten-free options directly from the farm shop . When the weather allows , the cafe also has outdoor seating . www . facebook . com / AlgarLodgeFarmShop
Perry Court Farm , Bilting A family-run farm , farm shop and tearoom with generations of the Fermor family working together on the farm . Passionate about reducing their carbon footprint , there is an ever-growing refill station with a selection of grains , nuts , cereals and cleaning supplies . The tearoom offers freshly home-baked goods using local ingredients to make delicious hearty soups , quiches , buns , amazing cakes and popular afternoon tea delights ! www . perrycourt . farm
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