One trend is currently defining the dining scene: it is the farm-to-table movement.
Farm-to-table, also called farm-to-fork, characterises food that comes directly from the farm (no middleman involved).
Farm-to-table restaurants proudly serve dishes made with ingredients sourced from nearby farms and offer fresh, seasonal and locally-inspired menus.
Did you know that most produce loses its nutrients within 24 hours after harvesting?
No wonder home-grown / farm products always taste so much better!
What’s more, it helps support local and sustainable farming and reduce carbon emissions by cutting down on food miles.
I have done a bit of research to find the most-recommended farm-to-table restaurants around Ashford and surrounding areas (mainly Kent) and the result of this search is as follows:
The Pig
Bourne Park Rd, Bridge, Canterbury CT4 5BH
https://www.thepighotel.com/at-bridge-place/
Their commitment to home-grown and local produce is second to none. Only seasonal products are used to create their menu and everything you find on your plate is sourced from within a 25-mile radius.
The Gallivant
New Lydd Rd, Camber, Rye TN31 7RB
Jamie and his team serve food made with “fresh ingredients from the surrounding land and sea, and a wine list stocked with stunning English wine”.
The Goods Shed – Farmers Market, Food Hall & Restaurant
Station Rd W, Canterbury CT2 8AN
All ingredients are sourced from finest Kentish produce. You’ll find a butcher, a fishmonger and various stalls: cheese, vegetables, bread baked on-site, even wine and beers. The restaurant “sources” all its ingredients from the market and food hall.
Footprints Café & Bistro
Singleton Environment Centre, Wesley School Rd, Ashford TN23 5LW
https://www.singletonenvironmentcentre.org.uk/eat-drink-feel-good/cafe-bistro/
The Footprints Café and Bistro is located within the Singleton Environment centre in Ashford. It “follows the theme of conservation and environmental awareness, by serving local and seasonal produce with ethically farmed meats and fish”.
Frasers
Coldharbour Farm, Barham's Mill Road, Egerton, Nr. Ashford, Kent, TN27 9DD
http://www.frasersegerton.co.uk/
Frasers is an award-winning restaurant serving food from a locally produced, seasonal group of suppliers. The farm itself is registered with the government’s Environmental Stewardship Scheme.
The George
The St, Molash, Canterbury CT4 8HE
https://thegeorgemolash.co.uk/
The George uses locally sourced products including meat from Aldington Fresh Food, fish from Folkestone Trawlers and fresh fruit and vegetables from Foodari (Fresher by Miles) in Molash.
They even have their own small holding and gardens where they raise animals and grow their own vegetables and fruit.
The Black Horse Inn
Pilgrims Way, Thurnham, Maidstone ME14 3LD
https://www.blackhorsekent.co.uk/
The Black Horse Inn’s emphasis is on quality food, all locally sourced and from high-quality suppliers. Their meat is sourced from a butcher located 1 mile down the road.
Samphire
4 High St, Whitstable CT5 1BQ
https://www.samphirewhitstable.co.uk/
Only seasonal ingredients are used to create their menu. And all ingredients are sourced from local farms, allotments, fishermen and producers in Kent and the South East.
Farm & Harper
25 High St, Whitstable CT5 1AP
https://farmandharperwhitstable.co.uk/
The Farm & Harper have formed a partnership between the suppliers of their locally farmed produce and their kitchen.
I hope you find this list of farm-to-table restaurants helpful.
I would like to continue adding locally-sourced restaurants to my list and would love to hear from you. Please feel free to email me with your suggestions.
