Food & Drink

Anno Gin, Marden

Set up by PhD research and development chemists Andy Reason and Norman Lewis, this artisan gin distillery produces Anno Kent Dry Gin in a small batch copper pot still called Patience, using a blend of traditional botanicals with local hops, lavender from Downderry Nursery, samphire from Romney Marsh and wild flowers. Time a visit for a distillery tour and tutored tasting.

Balfour Winery, Staplehurst

Hidden away deep in the Kent countryside near Marden, the Hush Heath Estate comprises apple orchards, ancient oak woodlands and beautifully manicured vineyards, the latter producing the award-winning English sparkling wine, Balfour Brut Rose. Wine lovers can visit the winery, stroll through the estate and taste the wine and cider produced on the estate. Guided and tutored tasting tours and special wine dinners available.

The Goods Shed, Canterbury

The Goods Shed is unique dining venue – a daily farmers’ market with a vibrant restaurant serving rustic, unfussy British dishes using the pick of crop from the downstairs food hall, all set within a quirky, beautifully renovated old railway shed. Expect original features like old beams, exposed brick and simple wooden furnishings, a relaxed, welcoming feel, and all the atmosphere of a bustling indoor market. Peruse the stalls, chat to the suppliers, then head upstairs to eat the quality (mostly organic) produce.

Birchden Asparagus, Groombridge

Steve Barnes has been selling asparagus at Birchden Farm in Groombridge since 1997, having planted the original asparagus beds on the farm in 1989 and 1990. The short season runs from the last week of April until June 21.

Weald Smokery, Flimwell

As well as its own superb smoked fish, meats and cheeses, this award-winning deli just off the A21 carries a huge range of local, British and international fine foods including pastas, chocolates and wines. There’s also the Kiln Room brasserie serving light lunches, coffees and afternoon teas.

Eggs to Apples Farm Shop & Cafe, Hurst Green

Popular farm shop chock full of local artisan goodies, from fruit and vegetables from local growers, freshly baked bread, plants and flowers, and an excellent fishmonger/deli counter. Cool little café and terrace serving great coffee, cakes and light lunches.

Wye Farmers' Market, Wye

One of Kent's best farmers' markets is held on the green by the post office in Wye every 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month - 9am to 12 noon. Expect to find an array of local artisan producers and to take away some fantastic produce.

Old Dairy Brewery, Tenterden

'Fine ales from the garden of England' is the tagline for this exceptional brewery housed inside two World War II Nissen buildings just off the High Street in Tenterden. As well a core range of beers such as Gold Top and Copper Top, there are seasonal ales and specials such as AK 1911 brewed to a century-old Kentish recipe. Brewery shop and tours.

Groombridge Farm Shop, Groombridge

At the top of Groombridge Hill on the A264, four miles west of Tunbridge Wells, this shop started out as “the asparagus hut” in 2001 and has grown over the years into the fully-fledged farm shop it is today. Dedicated to selling local produce, 90% of stock is sourced from farmers and producers located within Kent and Sussex.

Chapel Down Vineyard

With celebrity supporters, including Gordon Ramsay and Jamie Oliver, Chapel Down is one of England’s leading wine producers, with award-winning still wines and sparkling wine produced amongst the 22 acres of vineyards at Tenterden. The winery and restaurant is open all year round, with guided tours offered between April and November.

Water Lane Cafe, Hawkhurst

An idyllic walled garden with a vinery and a stunning collection of Victorian glasshouses on the Kent and Sussex borders. Owners are sympathetically transforming the garden into a working kitchen garden with vegetable beds, cut flowers, restored vinery and a stunning pavilion for dining - daily menus use freshly picked ingredients from the garden.

Bicycle Bakery, Tunbridge Wells

Located in Camden Road, Bicycle Bakery is an independent, artisan bakery that uses a mix of traditional and modern techniques to create beautiful and exquisite patisserie and sourdough breads. A cool cafe offers healthy breakfast and lunch menus, delicious homemade cakes and macarons, and speciality coffee from Pharmacie.

Frankies Farm Shop & Cafe, Staplehurst

Open since 2012, this well-stocked farm shop is situated next to award-winning Staplehurst Nurseries, which supplies local garden centres and London markets. The farm shop sells a range of Claire’s freshly baked bread, preserves, condiments, fresh fruit and vegetables, cakes, hams and chocolates. The cafe serves deli tasting platters, light lunches and takeaway sandwiches.

Biddenden Vineyard, Biddenden

Around 22 acres of vines bask in the sunshine in the Kentish Weald. Nine different types of grape are planted, with more than a nod towards German varietals. Indulge in a self-guided tour before sampling a range of red, white, rose and sparkling wines. The vineyard shop also sells a range of ciders produced using juice from Kent apples.

Macknade Food Hall, Faversham

Kent’s leading food hall, delicatessen, butchery & café, built on a 170-year history of food, farming and retailing in Faversham. Quality produce ranges from fresh bread and locally grown fruit and vegetables to craft beer and Kentish wines – do visit the deli counter for a choice of 150 different cheeses. The café showcases the amazing ingredients available in the shop.

Greensand Ridge Distillery, Shipbourne

Greensand Ridge Gin offers an intimate distillery experience - enjoy a cocktail while you tour the distillery, learn about the art of distilling and the different gin botanicals and how they are combined, and then distill your own full bottle of gin on an individual copper pot still, selecting from our range of over 40 botanicals.

Hope & Lane Cafe, Deal

Independent coffee shop on the High Street (opposite St George's church) serving exclusive organic Peruvian Tunki coffee and a range of delicious, artisan sweet and savoury food.

Westerham Brewery Tap Room & Shop

Founded in 2004 and located in a revamped old dairy on a farm on the edge of Westerham, the brewery has revived the rich brewing heritage of the town. Impressive range of cask and craft ales to quaff in the cool tap room and cafe (street food), from early to late from Wednesday to Sunday.

Park Farm Butchers, Hawkhurst

Established in 2001, this wonderful shop sells high quality free-range and grass-fed beef, pork and lamb reared by Andrew and Anne Clarke who farm some 300 acres of Wealden farmland in the parish of Hawkhurst. The farm participates in an ongoing conservation and education programme and also offers open days by prior arrangement.

Grain & Hearth Bakery, Whitstable

An artisan bakery and cafe specialising in sourdough breads and viennoiserie in the trendy, seaside town of Whitstable. Experience their passion for making sourdough by joining one of the brilliant workshops - sourdough, pizza-making, rye-baked goods.

Curve Coffee - Cafe & Store, Margate

Set in a refurbished print works between the Old Town and Margate town centre, this cool, contemporary cafe and store for Curve Roasters (based in Cliftonville) offers fabulous coffee and delicious lunches and baked treats. Take some coffee home and ask about the coffee classes and barista workshops.

Moons Green Charcuterie, Wittersham

Based on Owley Farm in the Wealden village of Wittersham, British charcuterie pioneers John Doig and Ian Jones make more than 20 different varieties of saucissons using British ingredients. Their air-dried meats are all melt-in-the-mouth local versions of European classics - prosciutto, loma, coppa, bresaola, and chorizo - all made by hand. Online shop or at Brockley Market in London.

Silcocks Farm Shop, Butcher & Cafe, Tenterden

In a converted barn just outside St Michael’s, this exceptional farm shop sells a range of top quality organic meat and dairy produce from land farmed by the Fenton family for the past 30 years. Rare breed beef, pork and lamb is on offer alongside organic vegetables, and you can refuel at the Silcocks Cafe, which uses the same produce from the farm.

Shepherd Neame Brewery Tours, Faversham

Take a look behind the scenes at Britain's oldest brewer, learn how the beer is made and take part in an expert tutored tasting session.

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