Discovering the Culinary Heritage of Kent: A Journey Through Traditional Foods

Image courtesy Dean Lewis from Pixabay

Kent, often referred to as the "Garden of England", is not only renowned for its picturesque landscapes and historic landmarks but also for its rich culinary heritage. 

The county’s fertile soil and favourable climate have contributed to a bounty of local produce and traditional dishes that have been cherished for generations. Join me as we explore some of the quintessential foods that make Kent a gastronomic treasure trove.

The Kentish Apple

Kent's orchards are legendary, producing some of the finest apples in the UK. The Bramley and the Cox’s Orange Pippin are two notable varieties that have earned acclaim both locally and nationally. These apples are not only enjoyed fresh but are also the star ingredients in a variety of traditional recipes.

Apple Pie

A classic Kentish apple pie is a delightful treat, featuring a flaky, buttery crust encasing a sweet-tart apple filling. Often spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, this pie is a staple at many a family gathering and local fete.

Cider

Kent is also famous for its cider, with local orchards providing the perfect apples for this refreshing beverage. Kentish cider is known for its crisp, clean taste, often enjoyed in pubs and at countryside picnics.

Oysters from Whitstable

The coastal town of Whitstable is synonymous with oysters. Whitstable oysters have been harvested since Roman times and are celebrated for their unique, briny flavour.

Whitstable Oyster Festival

Every summer, the Whitstable Oyster Festival attracts food enthusiasts from all over the country. The festival is a vibrant celebration of the town’s oyster heritage, featuring oyster-eating competitions, cooking demonstrations, and plenty of opportunities to savour these delectable molluscs.

Kentish Huffkin

The Kentish huffkin is a traditional bread roll with a distinct indentation in the middle. It is soft and slightly sweet, often enjoyed with butter and jam or filled with cheese and ham for a more savoury option.

Huffkin Sandwich

A typical huffkin sandwich might include local cheeses, such as Kentish Blue or Canterbury Cobble, paired with fresh, seasonal produce. This simple yet delicious fare reflects the abundance of high-quality ingredients available in Kent.

Gypsy Tart

The gypsy tart is a beloved Kentish dessert, with a unique flavour and a touch of mystery surrounding its origins. Made from evaporated milk and muscovado sugar, this tart has a sweet, caramel-like filling encased in a shortcrust pastry.

Traditional Recipe

The traditional recipe for gypsy tart is straightforward, yet the result is a rich and creamy delight that melts in your mouth. It’s a testament to the ingenuity of Kentish cooks and their ability to create something extraordinary from simple ingredients.

Romney Marsh Lamb

The Romney Marsh, with its lush, saline grasses, provides the perfect grazing grounds for sheep, resulting in lamb with a distinctive, flavourful taste.

Roast Lamb

Romney Marsh lamb is often served as a roast, accompanied by mint sauce and seasonal vegetables. This dish highlights the quality of local produce and the traditional cooking methods that have been passed down through generations.

Kentish Ale

No exploration of Kent’s culinary offerings would be complete without mentioning its ale. The county is home to some of the oldest breweries in the country, including Shepherd Neame, which has been brewing beer since 1698.

Ale Pairings

Kentish ales, such as Spitfire and Bishops Finger, are perfect accompaniments to the region's hearty dishes. Their robust flavours and rich history make them a beloved staple in Kent's pubs and dining establishments.

Kent’s traditional foods are a reflection of its rich agricultural heritage and the ingenuity of its people. From the fresh apples of its orchards to the succulent oysters of Whitstable, and from the hearty huffkins to the sweet gypsy tarts, each dish tells a story of the county’s past and its ongoing commitment to quality and tradition. Whether you are a local or a visitor, sampling these traditional foods is a delightful way to experience the true essence of Kent. So, next time you find yourself in the Garden of England, be sure to indulge in its culinary delights.

This link will take you to the recipes of Kent https://britishfoodandtravel.com/2020/01/29/10-traditional-kent-foods.

Great News! Produced in Kent Announces Strategic Partnership with Kent Food Hubs CIC

Produced in Kent, which is a dynamic community of local growers and artisan producers, is thrilled to announce a significant partnership with Kent Food Hubs CIC, an online sales platform for local sustainable artisan food and drink. 

This collaboration marks a pivotal moment for both organisations as they join forces to champion the accessibility of fresh, locally sourced products.

The heart of this partnership lies in the seamless integration of Produced in Kent members into the Kent Food Hub network. With a central hub strategically located in Folkestone, Kent Food Hubs CIC provides a streamlined platform for Produced in Kent members to showcase and sell their high-quality goods.

This collaboration opens up new avenues for local producers to connect with a broader audience and become an integral part of the shopping habits of local residents.

"We're really excited to strengthen our ties with Produced in Kent and enhance the reach of local produce through Kent Food Hubs," said Beckie Alves, who is Co-director at Kent Food Hubs CIC. "This partnership aligns with our mission to make locally sourced food more accessible to the community and supports the incredible efforts of local growers and artisans."

Floortje Hoette, CEO at Produced in Kent pointed out: “It's the strategic aim of Produced in Kent to steer consumers to buying more ‘local’ and pave the way to a commercially viable local trading infrastructure, and a partnership with Kent Food Hubs is a logical outcome of that aim. 

"We like how Kent Food Hubs is committed to achieving a fair price for both producers and consumers, whilst at the same time maintaining a high-quality offer of local product, and we're obviously very keen to support them in extending their network across Kent and Medway.”

The Folkestone hub offers a convenient online ordering system, providing customers with an effortless way to access a diverse range of fresh, seasonal products. Kent Food Hubs CIC believes that fostering such collaborations is essential in building a sustainable and resilient local food system.

Produced in Kent members can look forward to the many benefits that come with this partnership, including expanded market reach, increased visibility, and a stronger connection with consumers seeking quality, locally sourced options.

As both organisations unite their strengths, Kent Food Hubs CIC and Produced in Kent are poised to elevate the local food scene, making it a cornerstone of daily life for residents in Folkestone and beyond. This partnership exemplifies a shared commitment to promoting community well-being, supporting local businesses, and fostering a sustainable future.

FACTFILE: Kent Food Hubs CIC is a community interest company dedicated to promoting and facilitating the availability of locally sourced food. Through its innovative hub in Folkestone, and physical markets in Folkestone, Dover and Herne Bay, Kent Food Hub CIC connects producers with consumers, making it easier for communities to access fresh, high-quality products.

Produced in Kent is a vibrant community of local growers and artisans passionate about promoting and sustaining the rich agricultural heritage of Kent. By fostering collaboration and supporting its members, Produced Kent aims to bring the best of local produce to the forefront of consumers' choices.

https://www.producedinkent.co.uk

https://www.kentfoodhubs.co.uk

The Ferry House Waterside Restaurant Celebrates Prestigious Hospitality Award

Scooping a prestigious 2AA Rosette for Culinary Excellence, the team at The Ferry House, are raising a toast to the achievement with a glass of Gin (made using grain grown on their family farm). This significant award places the Isle of Sheppey restaurant among one of only 21 restaurants in Kent to have a 2AA Rosette. 

The award represents another milestone in over 20 years of ownership by local third generation farming family, the Burdens, who have taken the venue from humble country pub origins, to a rustically-refined country restaurant, boutique hotel and wedding venue in a beautiful wetland hideaway beside the Swale estuary. 

With a long-standing family heritage of food cultivation, produce for the menu is cropped from the 1.5 acre Kitchen Garden, alongside salt marsh-grazed beef, wild game and foraged produce from the shoreline and Harty estate.  

AA inspector Salvatore Scotti described the dining experience as “one of the highlights of my stay, with great pride taken in quality produce from the estate and vegetable garden. The hands-on team showed wonderful hospitality from making my reservation, to the time it came to leave.” 

Also praised was the experience from the luxury hotel rooms. “The rooms are filled with coordinated style, elegance, comfort and quality. The bathroom displayed clear sparkle!” 

Victoria Burden co-owns The Ferry House alongside her husband, Alex. She described the emotion of receiving the award; “Obviously, we're beyond thrilled! The report highlighted everything that's important to us, the quality of our home grown produce, a relaxed dining experience and warm and friendly service.”  

“Most of all we're happy for our team and proud of their contributions - every element of the AA report touches upon the role of someone role here. Hearing the cheers and seeing the emotion among the team when we gave them the news was a really great feeling. We are especially proud of and happy for Head Chef, James Pilcher.”  

“We are passionate about home growing produce that's not easily available, perhaps because it's perishable or is best handpicked to order. With our own kitchen garden we don't have that challenge, so guests can be introduced to dishes with unique, seasonal produce, that's exciting and creatively prepared, while being approachable and un-pretentious.” 

Recent dishes on the menu include wild Harty Estate duck wellington, pan-fried stone bass with foraged sea vegetables, 10oz salt-marsh grazed sirloin and charcoal-roasted golden beetroot, with pickled golden beets. 

As well as an à la carte Dinner Menu, diners can enjoy a sharing-style Small Plates Lunch Menu, Sunday roast lunches, a dedicated Vegan Menu available to pre-order, and a Children's Menu.  

Dining is available 7 days a week, Monday-Friday from 12pm–2.30pm and 6pm-8.30pm, Saturdays from 12pm-3.30pm and 6pm–8.30pm, and Sundays from 12pm-3.30pm and 6pm-7.30pm. Service times may vary occasionally around privately booked events, so please check The Ferry House website for specific opening times and to pre-book your table. 

The Ferry House, Harty Ferry Road, Harty, Kent, ME12 4BQ. 01795 510214 www.TheFerryHouse.co.uk | info@TheFerryHouseInn.co.uk | Instagram @TheFerryHouseHarty 

Cocoba Chocolate introduces Halloween themed chocolates and hot chocolates!

Cocoba, the Kentish chocolate company justifiably famed for producing utterly irresistible chocolate and hot chocolate gifts, has launched this year’s Halloween range.

The delicious sphere-shaped Halloween “Hot Chocolate Bombes” are handmade using only luxurious Belgian chocolate and literally bursting with hidden treats from jellies to marshmallows. 

Flavours will include orange hot chocolate and unique spooky green hot chocolate. These Halloween delights are available as a pack of three for £9.95.

Cocoba’s Belgian chocolate Halloween themed lollipops priced at £1.95 each are ideal for little trick or treaters or to share if you are hosting a party.  

From orange flavoured pumpkin lollipops to ghoulish ghost chocolate lollipops, Cocoba’s Halloween range has something for everyone.

For the ultimate, cosy night in, the tasty “Hot Chocolate Spoons” are an absolutely perfect accompaniment. Just simply add some steaming milk and the chocolate melts to create a warming, utterly delicious drink.  

The spoons are carefully crafted using indulgent Belgian chocolate and sold individually for £3.50.  Flavours will include a milk chocolate spoon with a white chocolate ghost and a block of orange flavoured chocolate served with a helping of mini marshmallows.

Cocoba Chocolate have really crafted a delightfully wicked range of Halloween treats for all chocolate lovers to enjoy.  

Please visit Cocoba Chocolate’s website for more information including their vegan chocolate product range.

www.CocobaChocolate.com

So, what's available? Cocoba’s chocolate product range includes Belgian hot chocolate, chocolate bars and lollipops, truffles and buttons, and a growing range of vegan dark and ‘milk’ chocolates, too.

Cocoba’s range is available from the above website and also from Cocoba’s flagship chocolate café at the Bluewater Shopping Centre in Kent, independent farm shops, high quality delis, John Lewis, Selfridges and more, besides. Of course, all products are handmade in Kent. 

To receive 10% off please do join their mailing list also free delivery on orders of  over £35.

(EDITOR: I'm just imaging the awesome chocolatey smell of the shop and the production kitchens!)

Good news for shoppers in Kent

The Co-op is relocating to a new, purpose-built, near 3,000 sq ft store on Hever Road, West Kingsdown.

The new store supports 21 local jobs, with some new positions being created. It's nearly 50% larger than its previous store in the village, with improved back-of-shop storage to further enhance the range, choice and availability.

Opening from 6am to 10pm daily, the new store includes a free ATM to offer access to cash, an in-store bakery, hot food and, a Costa coffee dispenser.

Amazon parcel collections are to be included, and there'll be an enhanced range of fresh, healthy products; meal ideas; everyday essentials; food-to-go; Fairtrade products, flowers, chilled beers and award winning wines; ready meals, pizzas and, free-from; vegan and plant-based products, including Co-op’s very own exclusive vegan range, GRO. (EDITOR: Love this range. And I'm not actually vegan!) 

Tom Cox, Co-op Store Manager, said: “It's really very exciting to be launching Co-op’s newest store. Our aim is to always operate at the heart of local life and, we are really looking forward to welcoming Members and customers into their new and improved store. We worked to develop the range, choice and added services to create a compelling offer to serve our community, conveniently. With a focus on delivering member-value so that the people who own our business, our members, benefit every time they shop.”

To learn more visit www.coop.co.uk/membership

Cocoba Chocolate introduces Halloween themed chocolate treats

For those of us who like to plan ahead, here's some news from Cocoba. 

Cocoba, the Kent-based chocolate company renowned for producing truly irresistible chocolate and hot chocolate gifts, has launched this year’s Halloween range.

The delicious sphere-shaped Halloween “Hot Chocolate Bombes” are handmade from luxurious Belgian chocolate and will be truly bursting with special hidden treats from jellies to marshmallows. 

Flavours available will include orange hot chocolate and unique spooky green hot chocolate. These Halloween delights are available as a pack of three for £9.95.

Cocoba’s Belgian chocolate Halloween themed lollipops at £1.95 each are also ideal for little trick or treaters or to share if you're planning to host a Halloween party. For children or adults!

 From orange flavoured pumpkin lollipops to ghoulish ghost chocolate lollipops, Cocoba’s Halloween range has something for everyone.

And for a cosy night in the tasty “Hot Chocolate Spoons” are an absolutely ideal accompaniment, by simply adding some delicious steaming milk the chocolate melts to create a very special warming drink. 

The spoons are made with only the best quality indulgent Belgian chocolate and sold individually for £3.50.  Flavours will include a milk chocolate spoon with a white chocolate ghost and a block of orange flavoured chocolate served with a helping of mini marshmallows.

Cocoba Chocolate have crafted a nicely wicked range of Halloween treats for everyone to enjoy.  Please visit Cocoba Chocolate’s website for more information including the chocolate vegan product range.

www.CocobaChocolate.com

Cocoba’s chocolate products include Belgian hot chocolate, chocolate bars and lollipops, truffles and buttons, and a growing range of vegan dark and ‘milk’ chocolates.

Cocoba’s range is available from www.CocobaChocolate.com as well as Cocoba’s flagship chocolate café at the Bluewater Shopping Centre in Kent, independent farm shops, delis, John Lewis, Selfridges and more, besides  All products are handmade in Kent. 

By the way, sign up for their mailing list and you'll get10% off and also free delivery on orders over £35.

Instagram: @cocobachocolate

Facebook: @CocobaChocolate

Pinterest: @CocobaChocolate

TikTock: @cocobachocolate

Twitter: @CocobaChocolate

Web: https://www.cocobachocolate.com