Kosher eco hotel opening down on the farm
VWHAT IS claimed to be the first kosher eco hotel in Europe is set to open in Kent at the end of next month.
Sadeh Farm Hotel is a social enterprise run by the Sadeh charity, which works to educate Jews about the environment. It is located on Sadeh’s fruit and vegetable farm in Orpington in a 17th century manor house which is undergoing a major renovation.
The five family suites will be available for occupancy from May 30, in line with current government guidance. Rooms are individually decorated on the theme of the Shivat HaMinim, the seven fruits and grains native to Israel.
Freshly prepared meals served in its KLBD-certified restaurant will feature ethically sourced produce and organic fruit and vegetables direct from the farm. There will be vegan, dairy, fish and glutenfree options. The hotel is working with local farmers to ensure a low carbon supply chain.
Guests can take part in a farm and forest foraging tour, pickling, brewing and honey-making workshops, go vegetable picking and “meet the chickens”. On-site experts will offer nature walks and educate on the Jewish perspective on the environment.
We’re thrilled to offer people a fun and different experience’
There will also be tractor rides, outdoor cinema evenings and magic shows, face painting and discos for children. Other facilities include an indoor pool, tennis and basketball, two playgrounds and a children’s playroom. Parents might prefer to check out Sadeh’s microbrewery.
Proceeds from the venture will be ploughed back into the charity.
Sadeh Farm Hotel director Naomi Verber said it was “the perfect place for couples and families to unwind, connect and regenerate. With so many activities available, a swimming pool and seven acres of beautiful countryside to explore, you’ll never need to leave the site. We aim to provide guests with delicious and healthy kosher food while being as environmentally sustainable as possible.
“We’re thrilled to offer the community a fun and completely different experience without the need to travel far — we’re situated just an hour away from the Jewish communities of North London, Essex and Hertfordshire and just off the M25 for those coming from the rest of the UK.”
The hotel will also be available for hire for simchahs, corporate events
or parties and will offer special programmes for Shabbat and the festivals.
Talia Chain, CEO of the Sadeh farm, added: “After over a year of being closed, we are so excited to be able to open again to Jewish youth, to families and to all who wish to connect to the land, to breathe deeply and to nourish the soil and the soul.
“The launch of the hotel is an extremely exciting development for Sadeh and will provide an opportunity for the charity to engage even more people in learning about farming, the environment and ecology through Jewish texts and traditions.”