Produced in Kent - Behind The Brands
Produced in Kent has picked out some of their its favourite stories behind the top county brands… (Sponsored Partnership)
Spry Drinks
Some of the biggest and strongest sources of memories come from taste and smell. How often do you find yourself taking a bite of something and thinking, ‘Wow, that takes me back’?
Spry Drinks aim to help create these lasting memories before you realise you’re making them. With four delicious flavours to choose from, you will experience a whole new flavourful adventure that is made to be enjoyed with others.
These delicacies can be enjoyed straight from their sipper bottles which are the perfect size to slip into your pocket when out on your next unforgettable adventure. But why stop there, Spry have larger bottles and a collection of simple and advanced cocktail recipes for you to follow and spice up your next family barbecue or games night. Challenge your friends to a cocktail making competition with the advanced recipes or relax by the sea with their easy two-ingredient cocktails.
Spry are also proud to announce their all-British range with 98-100% of ingredients being sourced directly from the UK. We all enjoy a little bit of English pride and with their Perfect for the Darlings flavour you will not only be drinking a fruitful delight, but you will be supporting local producers. Their Darling flavour is a fabulous combination of fresh rhubarb and juicy apple with the subtle spice of cardamom that brings the drink to life and complements the smooth vanilla finish.
This decadent treat pairs beautifully with desserts and makes for mouth-watering cocktails including Darlings and Bubbles (a luxuriously refreshing concoction using sparkling wine or champagne) and Darlings Delight (a summery blend using apple and ginger juice).
Life is meant to be enjoyed so why not live it to the fullest with a Spry bottle in hand on every adventure.
Gemma Keith Designs
How I accidentally built my own business.
Not many people go into starting a business with their eyes closed, but I did and I'm thrilled!
In 2015, I graduated from Chelsea University of the Arts London where I studied Textile Design. Like most post graduates, I scrambled to find that "one hit wonder" job of my dreams. But quickly started questioning if it even existed. Like many of us, I went ahead with putting what I had learnt over the last three years to good use in a job I liked, but didn't love.
I found myself working as a fashion design assistant in West London. Of course, I knew fashion design is far from always glitz and glamour. However the job was so far from what I had expected, I left two months later and started working in retail. It knocked me back and I didn't know if I should be in a creative workplace again.
I have wondered how different this could have been if my confidence hadn't taken such an early knock.
But you know what, I'm glad that job wasn't right for me. Because I am now living the dream!
It all really started at my local pub. The Unicorn, in Marden, had a nice blank wall just outside the toilets. Perhaps not the most idyllic setting to hang some artwork, though it got the biggest footfall! I started drawing animals and framing the prints to hang on the wall. They started to sell. And sell some more. Before I knew it, I was wrapping prints to take to local farmers markets. My retail contract at M&S was coming to an end, so I took the plunge not to renew it and went solo. I was accidentally, now a business owner.
For my first year, I traded at two or more fairs and markets a week. From there my products matured into cards, tote bags, cushions, then mugs and tea towels. Each market was different, and it meant I met some amazing people. Growing reputation and connections led to wholesale orders with the National Trust, Kent Wildlife Trust and many others.
I have now been running my business for four years and I couldn't be happier. I sell my products online and stock over thirty shops around the world.
If I had told an eighteen year old me that I would be running my own business, I would have said I didn't have the guts. I am proud to have proven myself wrong, and can't wait to see what the future holds!
Kentish Soap Co
@jamesdaveyphotography
“When Jayne was suffering from cracked hands caused by frequent washing as a pre-school teacher she thought there must be a better way. And so began The Kentish Soap Company on our kitchen-table, looking to provide natural alternatives to look after the skin.
From farmers’ markets and local fairs, things grew. The kitchen table was always full, our son had just left home and we quickly overtook his bedroom. And, with two storage units being rented, we thought it time to get some dedicated premises!
By then Emma (daughter) and John (husband) had left their jobs to join Jayne. Along with a nephew!
We have always been passionate about the environment, and we were able to make sure that all of our product packaging was plastic-free and the products contained no palm oil. We made sure they were vegan friendly too.
The location of our shows grew wider. We revamped our website and social media profile which has helped us during the COVID-19 pandemic when there could be no shows and events. And our lovely stockists have been so supportive.
We have managed to increase our products over the last year, including our facial bars and shampoo which we are very excited about since they continue to help our customers move to be being plastic-free in the bathroom. Our award winning subscription box provides customers with regular bars in boxes small enough to go through the letterbox for contact-free delivery and, as well as providing good cost savings. they come in minimal packaging to reduce waste.
We love what we do and are so proud to have won the awards that we have and also to be recognised as a Thames Estuary Visionary helping to achieve good, green growth.
We’re so looking forward to getting out and about meeting our customers again. We’ve got some wonderful new products planned too!”
KARARA FOODS
Taken from the Punjabi word meaning spicy, Karara Foods is an exciting new brand from Kent chef Paul Babra and his wife Rani.
Based at Macknade Food Village, Faversham, Karara Foods is a place to enjoy delicious, aromatic and traditionally cooked Indian food with a choice of outside dining or takeaway.
Chef Paul Babra is a familiar face on the food scene in Kent, having started his business in Canterbury offering Curry workshops. As the business evolved, Paul found himself giving culinary workshops and demonstrations with his skills being recognised in the UK and in Europe. However, he is probably best known for his mobile catering van which has been providing delicious Indian food to markets, festivals and community events across Kent.
Building on this successful reputation, Karara is a culmination of Paul's lifetime of experience and skills. With it’s bold, colourful and spicy branding, Karara is about bringing the real taste of India to Kent. Paul is passionate about Kent and believes in sourcing ingredients locally wherever possible encouraging Kent based businesses to support each other and thrive.
Future plans for Karara include a brand new mobile catering van and the recently launched, CHUKO CHUKO Beer. Chuko Chuko is an original spicy ale with a unique Indian twist, created using carefully selected ingredients and created by Paul in partnership with Kent brewers, Boutilliers.
Even with the launch of their new brand, Paul and Rani still find time to help their community and had the distinct honour of being given the title of Kent Community Legends in this year's Taste of Kent Awards. This award was given for their amazing work during the Covid Pandemic, where they turned large catering packs of food into easy-to-access individual meal portions. Karara Foods worked closely with charity Fareshare to distribute these packs to front line workers and to those on low incomes or struggling during the lockdowns.
Karara Foods are proud to be a true Kent based business and welcome you to come along to Macknade Food Village and enjoy their food.
The Gastronomist
A gastronomist is a connoisseur of good food; a gourmet. The Gastronomist Club in Ashford’s Elwick Place is an exclusive hub for food lovers and wine connoisseurs. Owners and founders Ainara Mateu and Jokin Ortega curate gastronomic experiences that are one of a kind. “Our favourite places are the ones which make you feel alive.”
Their dinner party-styled evenings are in part a performance where guests enjoy an exquisite six course tasting menu. Each course begins with an introduction by the hosts, whilst the talented chefs can be observed from the presentation kitchen.
Bespoke monthly menus are carefully crafted, using the finest seasonal ingredients with ambitious and inventive style. Head Chef Bello excels in experimenting with modern techniques to push the boundaries of guests’ expectations. “I design my menus to start on a high, in order to surprise and excite diners about what will come next.”
Wines pairings enhance each dish and ensure beautifully matched menus. The Gastronomist Club partnered with local vintners, showcasing a selection of fine English wine proposals as the perfect accompaniment to the seasonal cuisine.
The venue has been deliberately designed as a blank canvas. The sensational gallery wall provides a beautiful background and engaging talking point. It features a specially commissioned inaugural exhibition by Zita Ayala. Her thought-provoking series Taupadak /“Heartbeat” uses light to reveal hidden dimensions within paintings, to illuminate the connection between humanity and the natural world.
The Gastronomist Club hosts wine appreciation evenings as well as culinary masterclasses, where small groups of guests can participate in an immersive cooking experience. The space is also available for private hire to stage both corporate events and memorable celebrations. “We hope guests will soak up the atmosphere from the open kitchen, take in the art installations and rediscover the joy of congenial dining.
Solley’s Ice Cream
Having been the home to the family’s herd of Guernsey cows since the 1930’s, over the years the local milk rounds began to slow under increasing pressure from the supermarkets and in 1985 Stephen Solley began looking for ways to add value to the milk.
Guernsey milk is ideal for ice cream due to its high cream content, and so the first batches of Solley’s Ice Cream were made. Demand for the farm’s ice cream soon outstripped supply and the decision was taken to sell the dairy cows to allow this side of the business to expand.
Today, milk from the neighbouring farm is used to make the ice cream and 85% of the base ingredients are sourced locally. Solley’s has grown to become the South East’s largest independent producer of real dairy ice cream, now run by Stephen’s son in law and daughter Keith & Katie Morrison.
The most recent addition to the range is Solley’s Vegan Ice Cream, available in 3 delicious flavours and an excellent dairy-free alternative to their famous dairy ice cream – totally plant based with no GMOs, lactose or palm oil.
The farm has its own Ice Cream Parlour on site offering ice cream, food & drinks and tractor rides run (weather dependent) throughout the summer months. You’ll also find Solley’s at some of Kent’s leading attractions, so if you’re planning to explore some of the fantastic attractions here on the doorstep, keep an eye out and don’t forget to share a #SolleysSelfie!
Up to date information on visiting the Ice Cream Parlour may be found at www.solleysicecream.co.uk
Watts Farms
In 1952, just after World War II, Donald Watts snapped up the opportunity to become a tenant farmer. He was a man that did things properly. From mucking out pigs, to pulling rhubarb and planting strawberries - he would nearly always be seen in a shirt and tie. Donald’s wife, Joan, would sell much of the produce by the side of the road and eventually went on to run a green grocer's shop in Petts Wood. Together, Donald and Joan made a great success of the farm and Donald became colloquially known as the Kent King of Rhubarb.
Donald sadly passed away in his early 60s, but his daughter Avril fought to become the first female tenant of Kent County Council Farm, and the farm grew from strength to strength. She started trialling some herbs such as parsley and coriander. Avril married Mike Gray who had extensive experience in the London wholesale markets - “A good farmer always needs a salesman” she said. Together, they began growing new crops and increased wholesale sales up and down the country.
Joe Cottingham joined our farm in 2000, a vibrant and knowledgeable man, he quickly became a part of the family. He expanded produce ranges and through a vast range of improvements, raised the farm’s productivity.
In 2009 Avril’s husband, Mike, and their son, Ed, started the food service division of Watts Farms supplying high-end restaurants. The product range included produce grown on our farms and imported produce from UK growers, or where locally unavailable, from abroad.
From humble beginnings, Watts Farms had expanded to supplying more than 500 restaurants in London and the South East. During the pandemic, Ed harnessed his entrepreneurial skills and diversified to start what is a now a very successful online Home Delivery service, which runs alongside our Hospitality business.
The Foundry Brew Pub
The Foundry Brew Pub is a small, independent craft brewery, distillery, bar and restaurant in the centre of Canterbury.
For ten years, they were busy brewing a variety of unique keg and cask beer and even their own Kent cider! In 2017, they made a natural progression into spirit production, investing in a still, aptly named Biggleston after The Foundry’s Victorian founder!
It’s been an exciting few years producing the finest grain to glass spirits using the best local ingredients. Great thought and innovation go into designing each unique blend. Small-batch production allows them to produce an array of unique spirits, which people love to try in-house. Simultaneously watching production really adds a special something.
Currently ageing is a single-barrel, single-malt, pure Kent whiskey. Ready in 2022, it’s set to be sublime and of great interest to owner Jon Mills who is keen to explore whiskey making further in the near future, starting with a Rye whiskey! Along with his wife Jodie and their loyal staff, Canterbury Brewers and Distillers are busy hand-bottling their most popular makes, ready for the brew pub and the local markets.
Adapting rapidly during the pandemic, they regularly upload their current offer to their website. Their spiced rum sells out quickly and the recipe isn’t a quick make but this is part of the fun and keeps it exciting.
Their hand-bottled and labelled spirits include Canterbury Gin (Kent apples and hops used as botanicals), Honey and Blackcurrant Gin and their signature Japanese Gin, a unique gin laid to rest with shikuwasa fruit, which is native to Japan and delivers the most exciting citrus flavour.
Their produce can be purchased online for delivery but for an immersive experience, a visit to Canterbury and The Foundry cannot be beaten. Dine in, watch the brewing and distilling process and indulge in tasting their wares. They offer intimate tour and tasting experiences, which deliver the rich history of the Foundry, the brewing and distilling process and a guided tasting board of their fine spirits!
The Ferry House
Here at The Ferry House food provenance is our passion. You’ll find our 16th century country restaurant with rooms secreted away in the hamlet of Harty, beside the Swale river estuary. Owned by Alex and Victoria Burden, The Ferry House has been owned by two generations of the Burden family since 2000. In fact, the family has farmed the land around Harty for over 50 years, cultivating the crops, cattle and landscape. Our strong connection the local landscape is the backdown of our food ethos: Plot to Plate, Field to Fork and Grain to Grass.
Taking ‘pride of plate’ on our menus is the produce from our Kitchen Garden, beef and game from our family-farm and local estate, plus award-winning spirits, distilled from our own grains. What we can’t grow, farm or forage, we source from a handpicked selection of Kent’s best local producers.
From living and working our land, we feel a strong responsibility to its preservation and pride ourselves on our drive for ever-increasing sustainability. With everything grown from seed or cuttings and nurtured from start to finish, we know exactly our produce origins. Picked every morning, it ends up on the plate within hours, for the freshest seasonal flavours at zero road miles. By companion planting, growing annual flowers and keeping our orchard wild, we create a good biodiversity throughout our gardens.
Meanwhile during the summer our cattle are grazed on 3,200 acres of land at the Elmley Nature Reserve. Grazing naturally in an environment free from pesticides or chemical fertilisers, the cattle play an important role in preserving the habitat of local wildlife.
From humble beginnings, The Ferry House today is a unique and thriving country restaurant, with 11 individually-styled B&B rooms, five self-catering cottages and a beautifully refined, rustic barn wedding and corporate events venue. But our feet remain as firmly planted as our gardens, and as a proud family business, we remain committed to our values: Family. Quality. Commitment. Consistency. Pride.
Cheesemakers of Canterbury
The land, the milk, the people: why keeping it so local works for Cheesemakers of Canterbury
Every week since Jane Bowyer founded Cheesemakers of Canterbury in 2007 she, or one of her team, has driven to just one address, Debden Farm Petham, to buy her milk. There the Castles have tended dairy cattle for generations. Now it is taken just seven miles up the steep, narrow valleys of the Downs, to Hastingleigh, to be turned into the most luscious soft cheeses.
Jane has always fostered long term local links like these. At Hastingleigh her team make the oozing Bowyer’s Brie, the soft and creamy Chaucer's Camembert, and its sheep counterpart, Dumpy.
Another long term link is with Debbie Vernon, of Ellie’s Dairy, who makes her soft cheeses alongside Cheesemakers of Canterbury, sharing space, equipment and staff in a harmonious mutually beneficial arrangement.
Even the whey, the byproduct of cheesemaking, stays local, going to pig farmers only eight miles away.
For Jane it’s a virtuous circle that pays off in the quality of the cheese, and the long relationships with suppliers, fellow cheesemakers, and customers.
“Our main dairy is at Dargate, where we make our hard cheeses: Ashmore, Cobble, Kelly’s, Gruff, Ramsey and Shawn. We could have bought our milk elsewhere, but Petham has its own microclimate: it’s always damper there than in Dargate, so the grass is lusher, the cows are happier, and the milk is beautiful.
“We have alway supported the local farmers markets, come rain, wind, sleet and snow, and customers love being able to buy so many different cheeses made on their own doorstep, and tourists, now they are coming back, always search for produce grown and made in the area they are visiting.
“We work with,not against. We work with good milk, with local people, with other producers, and with our customers’ requests.
“You can’t take shortcuts making great cheese, and similarly, you can’t make a sustainable business by taking short cuts with your neighbours and customers.”
Bergamia Tea
Bergamia Tea, run by us - a tea loving couple Nigel and Lenka, started in 2007, originally trading as Tiger Spring Tea with an emphasis on Chinese teas. Much later on we moved from London to Kent to a bigger home for our growing family and to expand our tea venture. After failed attempts to find a quality Earl Grey supplier, we now had space to start scenting our very own Earl Grey tea. We called it Real Earl Grey to emphasise the fact that we use real bergamot oil in this special blend.
Our Real Earl Grey soon became our best-selling tea at which point we thought it was a good time for rebranding. We liked the idea of working with Kent based people and we enlisted the help of Lisa from Klarity Marketing www.klaritymarketing.co.uk who got us to brainstorm various ideas for our new name and really made us think about our brand. The aroma of fresh bergamot oil filled our home so often and we loved the scent so much that ‘Bergamia Tea’ from the Latin name for the bergamot fruit (Citrus Bergamia) seemed fitting.
Then the challenge was to create a logo which led to us to super talented graphic designer Kaye from Ohhh Kaye https://www.ohhhkaye.co.uk/ also based in Kent. It was an incredible collaboration. Kaye’s passion for what she does and her hard work helped us to create a logo including fonts and branding colours that at last, we were truly happy with.
Time went by and we were hoping to create a new website to go with our new brand but our busy family life meant we kept on postponing. Luckily we were approached by Louise from Oyster Creative https://www.oystercreative.digital/ , Kent based Digital Marketing Consultant who helped us to put all our ideas together and finally create an online shop https://bergamiatea.co.uk/ to make our customers’ life much easier and of course help us to promote what we love – loose tea!
Macknade
Macknade is and always has been a family run business. Originally a farm, the business has diversified over the years. Encompassing retail, hospitality, events, food service and farming, the Macknade brand has been synonymous with quality and community since 1847.
With strong roots in the garden of England and the island of Ischia in Italy, Macknade is now on a mission to bring producers, suppliers and consumers closer together in true community spirit.
Passionate about quality, community, sustainability and seasonality, Macknade already have two established food halls in Faversham and Ashford, both of which offer not only locally sourced produce from the County, but also specialist ingredients from Europe and further afield. Both stores also offer customers the option to come together with friends and family at their indoor and outdoor dining areas.
Cementing their reputation as Kent’s food and drink experts, Macknade is continuing to grow by creating spaces and experiences that bring communities together around a shared love of food and drink, with a new venture in Tunbridge Wells arriving in September 2021.
Meanwhile, the business has further diversified by increasing their online offering to include not only their famous hampers, but also subscriptions, gifts and floristry services, all of which are available for delivery nationwide.
As the business continues to grow, the senior management team has been developing behind the scenes, with the key appointment of Shane Godwin as Managing Director to lead the day-to-day operations.
With Shane Godwin stepping into the role of MD, Stefano Cuomo, the sixth generation of the family to lead the business at Macknade, will transition into the role of CEO, focusing on the growth of the Macknade brand and furthering the mission to create pragmatic spaces that forge & serve communities, supporting shifts in supply chain and consumption, that in turn support the environment and society.
Find out more online at www.macknade.com and @macknade on social media.
Giving a Fudge
Nearly 40 years ago we introduced an unknown concept to the UK: creamy, premium fudge, handmade in small batches, using traditional techniques, all-natural ingredients, and decorated individually by skilled artisan hands. We haven’t stopped trailblazing or innovating since, and never compromise on any of our core values.
Circa 10 years ago, with a string of awards, and the opening of our SALSA-accredited production kitchen in Kent, we took our much-loved traditional whipping cream fudge to new heights, developing more than 70 unique products and formats in over 100 flavours.
From the highly skilled team of confectioners who produce our innovative and award-winning products, to our supply chain, and social / environmental impact, we understand the importance of transparency and ensure that everything we do not only tastes good but feels good too. The Covid-19 pandemic presented us with more than one challenge as a business, and accelerated the need for us to be future-fit, and be an active part of initiatives that are helping to fight social injustice and irreversible climate change. We have always operated as a low-impact business, with fully recyclable packaging, and a practically 0-food waste production method, however, through education, we’ve learnt that there is much more to do to change hearts and minds.
Following a challenging year for so many people, we teamed up with B1G1, the giving platform that puts fundraising at the heart of businesses, making them a force for good. Over the past year, we have raised $1,621 to support India’s fight against Covid-19, given 371 days of access to musical instruments to disadvantaged children throughout the UK, and planted 490 trees over Earth Day, to help battle deforestation and climate change.
Mr Ames
Way back in 1909 Reginald Ames began sourcing and blending fine tea for the Great British public. Until now, the team have always done this for other brands, but now they are bringing their decades of expertise direct to the consumer with the launch of Mr.Ames - a range of superbly flavoured and expertly sourced teas.
Each tea is blended and hand packed in rural Kent. Every pyramid bag is compostable, but the best bit is the teas phenomenal taste.
Each box contains 20 bags and costs just £3.95 (£4.50 for All Day Decaf). Even the packaging is a delight and features delicious pairing ideas.
Mr Ames is perfect for tea lovers of all ages, to enjoy at parties, tea time socialising or just when you want a good old fashioned cuppa.
• Golden Breakfast
• All Day Decaf
• Green Sencha
• Earl Grey
• Chamomile
• Red Berry
• Peppermint
• Liquorice&Peppermint
• Lemongrass&Ginger
Biddenden Vineyards
Kent’s original vineyard, Biddenden has been owned and managed by the Barnes family since 1969. Today the vineyard is run by the second & third generations of the family, drawing on many years of experience in winemaking at Biddenden. Eleven varieties of grape are grown across 23 acres of gentle south facing slopes, producing award-winning white, red, rosé and sparkling quality English wines.
Ortega, Biddenden’s signature wine, accounts for approximately half of the vineyard.
Biddenden produces approximately 80,000 bottles of wine each year. All the grapes are grown are on the estate, with all vineyard work & picking carried out by hand to ensure that the very best quality grapes are selected to produce Biddenden’s wines. Pressing, fermentation and bottling is also carried out on site, and the majority of wines are sold from the cellar door or delivered directly nationwide.
Biddenden Cider is also made on site using the traditional Barnes family recipe, using locally grown culinary & dessert apples along with Kentish apple & pear juices including Clearly Juice, a range of clear, wine-like juices.
The Vineyard Shop is open year-round and well stocked with Biddenden’s own ranges alongside specially selected local & artisan food & drink products. Self-Guided Tours are available 7 days a week and include a guide booklet and tasting flight of 3 or 6 wines, with no need to book, simply purchase from the Vineyard Shop on arrival.
For those wishing to learn more about Biddenden’s family vineyard history & winemaking techniques, pre-booked private tours for groups of up to 6 people are available Wednesday – Saturday from May – October.
For up to date information on opening times and visiting Biddenden, please visit our website at www.biddendenvineyards.com
Kent Crisps
Owned & run by Kent born & raised Laura Bounds MBE, and celebrating their 10th anniversary in 2021, Kent Crisps are an award-winning range of hand cooked crisps made using Red Tractor assured British grown potatoes. Kent Crisps is one of the few British snack brands which remains independently owned & run and it is their mission to champion all that the county has to offer when it comes to food, drink & tourism. It is also one of the few, if not the only British snack brand to be totally female owned.
By working closely with local producers, Kent Crisps have used real Kent products to give a local twist on the nation’s favourite flavours. The range includes eight delicious flavours, Sea Salt, Oyster & Vinegar, Ashmore Cheese & Onion, Smoked Chipotle Chilli, Sea Salt & Vinegar with Biddenden Cider, Ham & Mustard and the most recently launched addition to the range, Lamb & Rosemary.
This is coupled with each pack featuring iconic landmarks & landscapes from Kent to promote the county’s rich tourism offering. Pack fronts include world famous landmarks Leeds Castle, Canterbury Cathedral & Turner Contemporary as well as truly Kentish coast & countryside imagery such as an Oast House in the rolling countryside and Beach Huts at Seasalter.
The business has been built by a small but extremely passionate & driven team, led by Laura. Kent Crisps are available to buy online, regionally from supermarkets and from independents throughout the UK. They are also supplied on airlines, planes & trains as well as being available internationally in over 10 countries worldwide.
Kent Crisps have won a number of awards, including Great Taste Awards, Food Producer of the Year at the Taste of Kent Awards & Kent Life Food & Drink Awards as well as National & Regional Micro Business of the Year at the Federation of Small Business Awards. Laura was awarded an MBE in the New Year’s Honours List 2020 for services to international trade, following on from the success of Kent Crisps in putting Kent & the UK on a world stage through its export growth.
Kentish Oils & Kentish Condiments
Established in 2008, Kentish Oils are an award-winning range of rapeseed oils made using specially selected seed grown in Kent, which is cold pressed, filtered & bottled in small batches just outside Canterbury. Alongside their original rapeseed oil, they produce 6 blended oils, Chilli, Garlic & Herb, Lemon, Garden Mint, Basil & Rosemary. The oils are extremely versatile and may be used for frying, roasting, drizzling and even baking.
Kentish Oils rapeseed oil is used to produce Kentish Condiments, also made in small batches to traditional recipes. Dressings include Honey & Mustard, Caramelised Shallot & Cider, Raspberry Vinaigrette and Garden Herbs Vinaigrette which provide the perfect accompaniment to meat, fish, vegetables and salads. They also produce a range of three mayonnaises, Original, Chilli and Garlic using locally grown chillies & garlic, which may be used as traditional mayonnaise, for dipping and to add extra flavour to a wide range of meals.
Kentish Oils are a Great Taste Producer as well as having won Kent Food Producer of the Year at the Taste of Kent Awards – a testament to just how delicious the range is.
Kentish Oils & Condiments is independently owned & run by Laura Bounds MBE, with a small but passionate team looking after the growing, production & sales of the oils & condiments. The range is available nationwide, through selected supermarkets regionally and through independent retailers across the UK.
Romney Marsh Wools
Established in 2008, Romney Marsh Wools is owned and run by Kristina & Paul Boulden and based on the family farm on the Romney Marsh, Kent, with Romney sheep having been in the family for at least 6 generations. Current numbers are around 1200 Romney ewes in the flock along with 150 Merino ewes.
Romney Marsh Wools was born through a firm belief in raising the awareness of all the benefits wool can bring and a wide range of products are produced using their own Romney wool. Each of the products are made by the very best British makers, all of whom are experts in their field and many who still use traditional techniques. The range includes homewares such as throws, blankets & cushions as well as clothing ranging from flat caps and baker style caps to scarves, ponchos and moccasins to name just a few Lanolin is a naturally occurring fat in wool and this is used to produce a range of toiletries including shower gel, shampoo, soap and moisturiser.
The wool is also sold as raw and topped fleece as well as yarn in a range of colours. The semi-lustrous fleece of the Romney lends itself perfectly for spinning due to its long, soft staples with a slight crinkle and is sold as raw & topped fleece as well as yarn in a range of natural colours.
The most recent addition to the farm is Romney Marsh Shepherds Huts, two luxurious huts which sit in the heart of the farm, with stunning views over the Romney Marsh and a chance to unwind and get close to nature, with vast open skies and beautiful, peaceful surroundings. The huts are situated in a field grazed by a small flock of the family’s sheep, and come complete with all you need for a relaxing farm stay with just the right amount of luxury.
www.romneymarshwools.co.uk
www.romneymarshshepherdshuts.co.uk