THIS WEEK’S FOOD & DRINK NEWS

lcurryhouses from across Kent have been shortlisted for this year’s Asian Curry Awards.

Restaurants based in Tonbridge, Sevenoaks, Tunbridge Wells, and Ashford are among the nominees.

The event is organised by the Asian Catering Federation (ACF), which represents the nation’s 30,000 Indian restaurant and takeaways.

A record number of nominees will now be whittled down by online public vote before visiting judges determine the eventual winners. Spice lovers can vote for the following Kentish venues: Bombay Cooks, Ashford; Shampan @ The Spinning Wheel, Westerham; Cinnamon

Square, Hildenborough; Everest Inn, Ashford; Saffron Gold, Tudely, near Paddock Wood; and INDI18, Tonbridge. la new 24-hour Costa will open on the A2 next year - taking up residence in an 18th century former coaching inn. The drive-thru cafe, which will also have seating available inside, is poised to become a spot for motorists to get their caffeine fix on the London-bound carriageway between Canterbury and Faversham.

The Grade Ii-listed building at Gate Services was previously a Little Chef - between 1986 and 2005 - before becoming the roadside greasy spoon Sheila’s Kitchen. It had a big reputation for its hearty breakfasts, but closed down some years ago and has stood derelict ever since.

la■

online store that exclusively sells English wines is set to open its first bar - with bosses vowing to “bring the vineyard to the high street”. Corkk is planning to welcome its first customers through its doors at the former Trailfinders

premises in Burgate, Canterbury, this month, having already lodged an application for an alcohol premises licence with the council.

Owners say if given the green light, the business will be the first bar of its kind dedicated to English wines in the country. Founder Jonathan Piggins said: “English wines have come a very long way in the last 20 years and are now superb. We have that very special produce right on our doorstep in Kent and that’s what we want to celebrate and help people experience.” la

popular roadside café has reopened under new management with plans to take it back in time to a 1970s theme diner.

The Tuck Inn along the A2 in Newington, near Sittingbourne is now being run by Paula Goldfinch and her partner Roy Golding.

They previously owned Mickey’s Diner on the A249 in Detling but are now hoping to continue the previous owners’ success at the Tuck Inn, which has 4.5 stars and

rave reviews of its good value, no-frills Sunday lunches and breakfasts on Tripadvisor. The couple have signed a 10-year lease on the building and are looking to make the café their own.

Their plan is to change the décor to fit a 1970s theme – displaying psychedelic paintings and other known memorabilia.

Corkk founder Jonathan Piggins

Roy and Paula at the Tuck Inn