Sown to Served
Awash with centuries-old farmland, historical orchards and rolling vineyards that have long produced the most delicious ingredients, our blossoming Garden of England’s roots remain firmly planted in agricultural excellence. Today, as more restaurants, cafés and culinary visionaries strive to unite the opposite ends of the food chain for truly scrumptious results, Kent’s ever-booming food story is indeed something to be celebrated.
Shaped by our rich and historic farming heritage but offering a firm promise of our innovative and connective culinary future, Kent’s field-to-fork dining scene has never been more productive or more delicious.
Striving to shorten the gap between organic farmlands and tasty plates of goodness through expansive kitchen gardens, on-site farm restaurants or local market hubs, for bundles of both land and livelihood benefits, our county’s array of passionate chefs and foodie creators are going straight to the source to create exceptional, community-focused gastronomic experiences where diners can relish in the true joy of flourishing farm fare.
Vowing to prioritise sustainability, transparency and integrity above all, while never sacrificing on the all-important taste, these kitchen crafters’ expertly curated dishes burst with the freshest of ingredients, often grown just meters away, and support a wealth of Kentish producers (and in turn our local economy) more than ever before.
Whether you’re seeking a classic mouthwatering dish abound with community spirit following a farm ramble and a Kentish pantry stock-up, or are in search of a fine-dining fix that ticks every box when it comes to delectable pairings, honest ingredients and groundbreaking gourmet flair, take the opportunity to taste the county’s astounding storytelling flavours at their very best. We promise, there’s no fulfillment quite like it.
Image by: Jake Eastham
FARM SHOPS WITH FLAVOUR
Passionate about showcasing the fruits of the productive and fertile land that surrounds them, this picturesque barn nestled within the historic Quex Park estate has fed the local community with all things fresh and fine for over 15 years. Complete with a butchery, delicatessen, wet fish stall, bakery, florist, coffee shop and restaurant, all housed in a splendid traditional barn that provides a delightful setting in which to shop, Quex beckons visitors to stock and savour a curated selection of goods from Thanet’s top crops and crusty loaves produced by their skilled baker to diverse cheeses from the deli counter, handmade sausages from the prided butchery or delicate Dover sole from the fishmonger.
While the quaint coffee shop is on hand for a tasty Lost Sheep brew and a slice of cake, open seven days a week is the barn’s praised restaurant which serves up a host of traditional British dishes and breakfast favourites. With a warm welcome and delicious farm fare promised alongside Sunday lunches and handmade pizzas, Quex’s expansive offerings are sure to be a hit with every member of the family.
If a devoted Kentish foodie was asked to recall a few of the county’s must-visit farm shops, it’s very likely the rural marvel that is Macknade would make the list. With a heartwarming history of over 175 years of family farming paired with an unwavering commitment to feed the locals as ethically and sustainably as possible, the long-standing popularity of this epicurean establishment is no surprise.
Gathering some of Kent’s greatest offerings under one thriving roof, the food hall is brimming with local produce and artisan goodies, with rows of fresh fruit, vegetables and pantry favourites, a popular delicatessen counter offering one of the largest ranges of cheese and charcuterie in the UK and an award-winning butchery. Adjacent to the hall, Macknade is also home to a cosy café serving up dishes crafted with the highest-quality Kentish ingredients – whether you tuck in to the famous farmer’s breakfast or a Macknade Caesar salad topped with crispy serrano ham and perfectly soft-boiled eggs.
For decades, generations of the Fermor family have lovingly built and expanded Perry Court into the flourishing farm it is today. Situated upon the Canterbury Road, with easy access from both Canterbury and Ashford, this working farm, shop and tearoom has a remarkable history within heritage farming and are known for their use of traditional methods, their beloved annual autumn Apple Fayre which began back in 1987, and a pedigree flock of Southdown sheep.
After selecting a premium cut from the butcher’s counter, picking up a beautiful bouquet from resident florist, Laura, and stocking up on cupboard must-haves from the refill station, make sure to stop off at the charming tea room for a homemade snack. Choose from soups, quiches, cakes, scones and biscuits packed with fresh produce, or why not book in for an extra special three-tier afternoon tea of freshly prepared sandwiches and sweet treats?
Penelope’s at Beck Evans Farm, Sidcup
A 25-acre, second-generation family farm being diligently restored to put sustainability and all things local at the forefront, this site comprises of a farm, farm shop, restaurant and a light snack hut alongside scenic walking routes, a maize maze and regular events – it’s clear the community-driven Evans family and Penelope’s team are passionate about creating something here for everyone to enjoy.
Taking inspiration from the Mediterranean, the stylish on-site restaurant presents a vibrant daily menu of breakfast, lunch and stone-baked pizzas. Often experimenting with new local ingredients and recipes, while always showcasing the naturally tasty flavours of Kentish produce, the kitchen team are keen to cater to all tastes, displaying inventive creations and simple pleasures such as farm-fresh eggs cooked just the way you like them.
A renowned farmers’ market, food hall and restaurant rolled into one spirited, produce-packed destination, The Goods Shed has been a driving force in Canterbury’s growing field-to-fork dining scene since opening its doors in 2002. The proud base for a wealth of independent suppliers such as Docker Bakery, Cheesemakers of Canterbury and Patriana Charcuterie, the market allows visitors to meet the remarkable producers behind some of Kent’s most talked about artisanal foods.
Overlooking the colourful market below from an elevated dining area, a casual yet special restaurant experience awaits you. Focusing on a compact, regularly changing menu of fresh and unfussy dishes centered around the market’s top picks, with both vegetarian and meat options available, the acclaimed restaurant is all set to welcome fellow foodies for glorious light lunches, three-course spreads, candlelit suppers or summer garden eats.
Tucked away in the village of St. Michaels in Tenterden, you’ll find the sweet Silcocks Farm Shop. An organic farm with traditional Boresisle Hereford cattle, Gloucester Old Spot pigs and Dorset sheep, Silcocks boasts a butchery, quintessential farm shop and a welcoming café. After being greeted by wonderful wicker baskets brimming with bright vegetables and meeting the knowledgeable team who are always on hand to share their brilliant work in organic production, take up a table within the inviting café or courtyard. Choose between a hot or cold refreshment, a selection of fulfilling yet perfectly light bites such as a Silcocks’ ploughman’s lunch with ham from the butchery, or keep it simple with a classic scone topped with jam and cream.
RESTAURANTS WITH ROOTS
THE PIG – at Bridge Place, Canterbury
When it comes to beautiful plates of garden glory, Kent’s famed member of THE PIG family delivers every time. A stunning boutique hotel of countryside charm and luxury, this all-round jewel is cherished for its homely atmosphere and comfortable accommodation, but perhaps most of all for its considered food offering.
Deeply committed to homegrown, and otherwise only sourcing ingredients within a 25 mile radius that allows for 100% transparent ingredient journeys, the idyllic grounds feature a flourishing kitchen garden, specialist greenhouse and a polytunnel where the hotel’s dedicated foragers and gardeners can be found carefully tending to their growing bounty. Menus are driven by the garden team who select what’s in perfect plate condition that day and showcases simple food done brilliantly. A riveting open-plan kitchen allowing diners to get up close and personal to where the magic happens and a superb outdoor garden oven offering smoky flatbreads with all the toppings complete this commendable countryside picture.
More than just a restaurant and instead a beautifully executed extension of the family’s beloved Crowborough Warren estate, The Warren prides itself on its marvellous farm and restaurant duo that bring an abundance of cut-above-the-rest ingredients grown on their own nearby land into their Tunbridge Wells dining room.
Seated on either the pretty terrace overlooking the striking spa town or within the quirky restaurant itself, diners can expect a splendid showcase of natural produce including nettles, wild garlic, wild mushrooms and berries, chicken, goose and duck eggs, as well as seasonal game such as venison, rabbit and pheasant, which all rightfully take centre stage on a predominantly British menu with exciting global cuisine fusions.
Set amongst the working, family-run Chart Farm, the three sisters. popular Friday Night Supper Club offers the unique opportunity to spend the evening with like-minded individuals sampling great tasting food that is rooted in provenance and seasonality. Bridging the gap between field and kitchen, founders Tom and Becky work directly with the farm alongside other local producers to create a delectable monthly menu that sings with freshness, refinement and a whole lot of heart.
Passionate about taking a step further with their hearty endeavours to allow families to enjoy farm-to-fork dining from home, the innovative duo have also launched an exciting Dining at Home service, delivering seasonal meals that are fully prepared and oven ready alongside cocktails, freshly baked breads, treats and provisions for a night-in to remember.
Image by: Key & Qull
A quietly exceptional Green Michelin Star restaurant and farm known for their above and beyond approach to farm-to-table feasting, The Small Holding promises a dining experience of the utmost thought and quality. Headed up by passionate brothers, Will and Matt Devlin, the land-loving team here are fiercely committed to sustainability in every aspect of their craft, growing over 180 varieties of produce themselves to create dishes that, when paired alongside other brilliant produce from handpicked local farmers, are a true Kentish celebration.
Championing regenerative farming practices and low-impact techniques that ensure the land is both nurtured and producing the most nutrient-rich ingredients for their seasonal menus – from fragrant herbs to heaps of leafy goodness – diners are invited to choose from a seven-, five- or three-course tasting menu and can complement dishes with divine wines sourced from organic and biodynamic vineyards.
Bowleys at The Plough, Trottiscliffe
Where garden flavours, culinary excellence and top-notch hospitality combine to achieve something extraordinary, Bowleys – the outstanding result of talented husband and wife team, Alex and Grace Yates – is an exquisite restaurant with AA Rosette, The Good Food Guide and Michelin recognition under its belt.
Just 300 meters away from the kitchen lies The Nursery, Bowleys’ very own garden that sees the growth of plentiful vegetables, herbs and edible flowers used to shape the restaurant’s seasonal menus. Between their delightful Trottiscliffe-grown produce, in-house made bread, butter, ferments, preserves and locally supplied goods, their dishes and accompanying refreshments are positively rooted in the beauty of the local surroundings. When visiting, be sure to try their revered Kentish Tasting Menu for the ultimate soil-to-service celebration.
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