Across Kent local producers are thriving with unique goods and delicious flavours, and we’re putting some of them in the spotlight right here.
Woodchurch Flowers.
This small-scale company focusses on the growing of seasonal, British, cottage style flowers, something which Lin Crew is passionate about.
Lin said: 'Local production enables us to produce quality flowers throughout the growing season while keeping our impact on the environment to a minimum.
'We supply anything from small, individually arranged bunches to larger scale functions such as weddings, farewell flowers, and special occasions. DIY buckets are also offered for those who prefer to be creative.
'All our arrangements are fully compostable, and the flowers grown on our farm are chemical and pesticide-free and have a low carbon footprint.
'They are old-fashioned favourites that have the most wonderful colours and scents which create a feeling of nostalgia and wistfulness.
'We are proud to be a member of Flower From The Farm, a nationwide organisation who support, encourage and promote both British flower growers and British flowers.'
woodchurchcottageflowers.co.uk
Margate Mushrooms.
Born from a home-based lockdown project, Margate Mushrooms has evolved into a thriving venture with a unique and socially conscious mission. Originating from the Margate Independent Foodbank initiative during the pandemic, founder, Darryn De La Soul, integrated mushroom cultivation into the project's fabric. Recognising the potential for growth, she transitioned operations to a larger facility, securing £42,000 through a successful crowd-funding campaign to acquire shipping containers and establish a dedicated farm.
Specialising in the cultivation of Lion's Mane, Shiitake, and pink and grey Oyster mushrooms, it has not only become a local source of high-quality, chemical-free produce but has also played a pivotal role in addressing food security concerns in Thanet with minimal environmental impact. Supplying four of the seven Michelin Listed restaurants in Thanet, mushrooms are also sold direct to the public at Cliftonville Farmers Market, The Grain Grocer in Margate and Quex Barn in Birchington.
margatemushrooms.co.uk
Miam Jars.
Formerly a chef, founder Rachael Pynenburg is the jar-loving preserving-enthusiast behind Miam Jars in Whitstable. The range of pickles, preserves, sauces and chutneys are all based on flavours that inspire, and aim to bring the fun to your pantry. All plant-based, handmade and free from preservatives, labels are simple and easy to understand, and you’ll only find ingredients you can find in a home kitchen.
Miam (pronounced mee-yum) is the colloquial French word for yummy and is named after Racheal’s favourite sandwich and crepe shop in Paris, Chez Alain Miam Miam.
'The passion and joy Alain shows with his ingredients, cooking and bringing people together with flavour-led food encapsulated what I wanted to share with Miam Jars.
'While our products are all vegan, they’re for everyone. Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian or flexitarian, Miam Jars is here to help make plant-focused cooking easy, delicious and quick!'
miamjars.com
Dyas Farms.
Asparagus is much-loved green crop, and this small family-run farm offers some of the best in the county. Situated next to the coast at Sevenscore, the farm overlooks the sea at Pegwell Bay, Ramsgate, and the deep mineral loam soil helps give an intense flavour to the incredible, fast-growing spears.
Nicola Dyas said: 'The maritime climate gives us an early start to our asparagus season and normally lasts from mid-April to the end of June.'
The asparagus shop opens as soon as harvest starts, and the produce is also sent to high end and local Michelin star restaurants, as well as farm shops across Kent and Sussex.
Nicola added: 'Once we have cut the best of the crop, as we move into mid/late June we have to be strict with ourselves and stop cutting so that it has a chance to regenerate for the following harvest.'
sevenscoreasparagus.co.uk
Gusbourne Estate.
Leading English wine producer Gusbourne presents an authentic reflection of a time and place in each of their bottles by producing exclusively vintage wines that are unique to each growing season. The highest quality Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grapes are grown across the estate, with 60 hectares in Appledore as well as 30 acres next to the Goodwood Estate in West Sussex. Discover these special still and sparkling wines at The Nest, their award-winning tasting room and cellar door. Open throughout the year for tours, tastings and to enjoy wines by the glass, The Nest overlooks the idyllic setting of their Kent vineyards. They also host a range of ticketed events, such as expert-led masterclasses, tutored tastings and dining experiences. Earning accolades from many wine critics, it comes as no surprise Gusbourne continue to win prestigious international industry awards every year.
gusbourne.com
Kent Crisps.
Founded in 2011, Kent Crisps offers a range of hand-cooked crisps celebrated for their local flavours, crafted from Red Tractor assured, British-grown potatoes.
As one of the few British snack brands that remains independently owned and run, the Kent Crisps mission is simple: to deliver irresistibly delicious crisps that highlight the best of the county's finest food and drink.
Partnering with recognised local producers, Kent Crisps are made with authentic Kentish ingredients, adding a unique twist to beloved flavours like Sea Salt, Oyster and Vinegar, and Ashmore Cheese and Onion.
With packaging featuring iconic Kent landmarks and landscapes, the packets proudly represent their Kentish roots.
Honoured with numerous regional and national awards, including recognition for taste, sustainability, and international trade, Kent Crisps take pride in their achievements! Notably, founder, Laura Bounds, was awarded an MBE for her outstanding commitment to export.
kentcrisps.com
Kentish Oils & Condiments.
Recognised for its production of fine-quality, award-winning cold-pressed rapeseed oils, blended rapeseed oils, dressings, and mayonnaises, products are crafted using specially selected seeds grown locally. Through a close partnership with a local farmer, the award-winning range of rapeseed oils and blended varieties undergo meticulous processing and during harvest season, the seeds are combined, cleaned, and stored in preparation for pressing. However, the true secret behind the oil’s distinct colour and flavour lies in the individual filtering steps required.
The flagship product doesn’t end there, the Original Cold Pressed Rapeseed Oil serves as the foundation for the range of Kentish Condiments, including dressings, marinades, and mayonnaises.
Every product undergoes thorough quality checks and is meticulously packaged by hand with care and dedication. Additionally, Kentish Oils Rapeseed Oil has held a SALSA accreditation since 2008, guaranteeing 100 per cent traceability back to the field where the oilseed rape was grown.
kentishcondiments.com
A Little Bit.
Born from a desire to offer a range that simplifies the process of creating homemade-tasting dishes using fresh herbs and quality ingredients, the ALB range encompasses dips, dressings, mayos, sauces, and ketchups, all meticulously crafted in small batches within a custom-built commercial kitchen.
Using only the finest ingredients, including locally sourced cold-pressed rapeseed oil, the range captures the essence of home cooking while offering the convenience of pre-made dips, dressings, or sauces. Whether you're seeking a quick and flavourful sauce for pasta, looking to elevate a fish dish, or simply craving a delicious ketchup or mayo to accompany a burger or serve as a dip, there is something for everyone.
Each bottle is brimming with goodness, free from preservatives, colourings, and additives, and exclusively features fresh herbs. Vegan-friendly and gluten-free, the range is crafted with care to ensure every bite bursts with flavour and quality.
alittlebit.co.uk
Castle Farm Lavender.
Rows and rows of beautiful lavender are the star of the show at this idyllic farm near Shoreham. Family-run, it is also a busy working 1,100-acre farm with crops of wheat, barley, rapeseed, hops, apples and a grass-fed herd of beef cattle.
The lavender enterprise began in 1998 to produce essential oils and is now the largest lavender farm in the UK, growing more than 130 acres of the fragrant purple flower. Blooming in late June through to late July there are events to enjoy including walks, guided tours and picnic events. Castle’s Farm’s pure essential oils are used in their own range of toiletries, natural sleep products, candles, massage oils and food essences and are also sold to fragrance houses for other uses. The farm shop is open Tuesday to Sunday and offers farm foods, lavender products, gifts and decorations.
castlefarmkent.co.uk
