Grown in a field near you
16:32, 19 October 2011
We are always told about the benefits of eating fresh home-grown food but finding it can be more trouble than going to the supermarket. To make it easier, here are the top 10 places to buy local produce from the Garden of England.
Allens Farm, Plaxtol, near Sevenoaks
Kentish cobnuts are in season until the end of October and Allens Farm sells organic green and golden cobnuts. It is part of just 250 acres of old orchards that survive from the cobnut plantation heyday of the early 20th century when there were more than 7,000 acres of plats growing cobnuts in the UK. This type of nut is part of Kent's heritage and is available from the farm's website or markets like The Food Lovers fair at Covent Garden Piazza and Borough Market.
Biddenden Vineyards
Kent's oldest commercial vineyard started out as just a third of an acre and has grown into 22 acres producing English wines, ciders and apple juice. New this year is Biddenden Vineyards' joint tour with Winterdale Cheesemakers, taking visitors around the vineyard and winery, followed by a ploughman's lunch and glass of wine. The group is then welcomed at Winterdale Cheesemakers, near Wrotham, for a guided tour of the dairy and cave, followed by a tasting and an afternoon cream tea.
Brogdale Farm, Faversham
If you want to learn the processes involved in growing local, fresh ingredients, look no further than Brogdale. Home of the National Fruit Collection, you will discover expertly nurtured seasonal fruits, while the Courtyard Cafe and Tea Rooms serve delicious homemade cakes and farm produce. Brogdale hosts a variety of festivals throughout the year, including the Great British Cider, Beer and Food Festival, which takes place on Saturday and Sunday, September 24 to 25.
Broadstairs Food Festival
Celebrate the best of Kent cuisine at this spectacular annual food festival. The three-day event runs at the beautiful Victoria Gardens on Broadstairs seafront.
www.broadstairsfoodfestival.co.uk
Capel-le-Ferne farmers' market
Taking place every Tuesday, the market began in 2003 and hosts about 20 stalls each week. Top stallholders include Farmer Palmer, who specialises in his own traditional breed of Romney lamb, Aberdeen Angus beef, Berkshire saddleback and Welsh pork reared on his own farm in the Weald. Alkham Preserves serve jams, pickles and chutneys all made from local produce. Pick up breads and cakes from Sandgate Bakeries and for those looking for exotic tastes, a Mauritian stall sells homemade curries, samosas and bhajis.
The Goods Shed, Canterbury
It is believed that the continued success of the Goods Shed farmers' market and restaurant has had a significant influence in the growing amount of farm produce now sold in British supermarkets. Situated next to Canterbury West station, the Goods Shed is the perfect place to pick up fresh Kentish ingredients and attracts visitors from all over Europe. Dominique Levet shared her experience on www.mykent.co.uk, saying: "I love everything about the Goods Shed and always buy their vegetables, meat and fish when I entertain friends."
Macknade Fine Foods, Faversham
First mentioned in the Domesday Book, the farm at Macknade was run by the same family for more than 150 years since 1847. Its current incarnation as a farm shop - albeit on a vast scale - started out as a tent in 20 hectares of pick-your-own crops 25 years ago. Macknade's is the place to buy a sack of spuds or a bunch of carrots but has a cosmopolitan feel thanks to its fresh produce of food originating from around the world. Macknade's main foodhall, deli and cafe is on the edge of Faversham just off Selling Road. However, there's is a smaller town centre grocers in West Street.
M&M Richardson, Dungeness
This family-run fishmonger has been established on the Kent coast for the past 150 years and catches fish daily from the English Channel using only Dungeness fishboats. As well as serving restaurants and chip shops it caters for individuals preparing for a barbecue or a family get-together. They catch salmon, haddock, cod, sardines, mackerel, prawns and all kinds of shellfish, which are all cleaned, gutted and inspected on board their five boats before being brought back to sell. They only ever freeze fish if the customer asks and can also cater for weddings and parties. More details on 01797 320789.
Quex Barn, Birchington
Quex Barn grows and produces exceptional local ingredients on its doorstep. All meat for sale in the barn is reared by the farmer himself and the traditional restaurant supplies only the best seasonal ingredients. Specialities include free range eggs for breakfast, homemade soup and a freshly baked roll for lunch, and local beef with freshly grown vegetables for supper. Visitors can also take the opportunity to explore Quex Park's house, museum, secret garden, craft village and Jungle Jim's indoor playground.
