Kentish Express Ashford & District
Macknade offers a glimpse into future
Macknade celebrated its upcoming arrival in the town centre by hosting a pre-launch party at the weekend.
The food and drink business, which already has a food hall in Faversham, is preparing to open a restaurant, bar and delicatessen in one of the largest empty units at Elwick Place.
Hundreds of people enjoyed live music and food and drink tasters at the party in Elwick Road on Saturday.
Macknade bosses previously told the Kentish Express they plan to open their unit in October, but no precise date has yet been given.
About 30% of the site will be dedicated to the sale of goods, with the remaining 70% taken up by the dining area.
When open, the 5,123 sq ft unit, which will sit below the sixscreen Picturehouse cinema next to the car park off Elwick Road, will open seven days a week.
On Saturday, media brand ‘Cene organised a programme of music to keep visitors entertained, with performances from artists including Samuel Ashton, Nancy Okai and SKIES.
Macknade butchers, chefs and cheesemongers were on hand serving up a selection of dishes at the free event, and head butcher Simon Maynard showed guests how to cook sirloin beef forestiere and roast partridge.
Kent drink producers including Coxy’s Drinks, Dudda’s Tun Cider, Simpsons Wine Estate and Curious Brewery were serving up beverages to guests, alongside Bloss Coffee, which recently opened a new roastery in Kingsnorth.
Macknade’s MD, Stefano Cuomo, said: “The atmosphere on Saturday was something else.
“The sun was shining and all of the guests I spoke to were having a great time.
“We are excited to bring Macknade to Ashford this year and the event was an important step for us in introducing our brand to the community, giving them a feel of what Macknade is all about.
“The event wouldn’t have been possible without our wonderful producers and suppliers.”