‘Rural delight’ is top dining spot
The Small Holding in Kilndown has been crowned Restaurant of the Year in the annual Taste of Kent Awards.
The venue, near Cranbrook, was described by judges as “an unforgettable rural delight” as it was presented with its trophy at last Wednesday’s awards ceremony at the Kent Event Centre in Detling.
More than 400 people gathered to reveal who the winners were in the event organised by local food and drink organisation Produced in Kent. Last year’s event was held online due to the Covid crisis.
Floortje Hoette, chief executive of Produced in Kent, said: “The judges and I were blown away by the exceptional quality of food and drink we have here in Kent, and it’s wonderful to see the support for buying local hasn’t faded post-pandemic. This year’s winners and finalists have shown innovation, diversification, sustainable practices, and immense talent within their specialist fields, it makes me enormously proud to spotlight these Kent businesses.”
West Kent was well-represented in the contest.
Bray’s Bees honey from Ditton won Kent Ambient Product of the Year, the best beer was Cellar Head Brewing Company’s Session Pale Ale (Tunbridge Wells) and the crown for cider went to Turners Cider’s Apple Pie Cider (Marden). The award for best wine went to Stapleshurst vienyard Balfour and its Brut Rose while the best non-alcoholic drink was deemed to be Biddenden Vineyards’ Sparkling Apple Juice.
Kingcott Dairy’s Kentish
Blue cheese from Staplehurst won best dairy product, Yes Chef ’s Steak and Blue Cheese Pie (Aylesford) scooped best prepared food product and the best pear was grown by B Piper Partnership in Maidstone.
The County Town was also home to the best café, Aunt Sally’s Kitchen; best retailer, Detling Community Store, and farm: Loddington.
The Community Award went to Communigrow in East Malling.
n For the full list of winners go to www.kentonline.co.uk