Good Food  Nips from the hips


 Gin was originally prescribed for kidney and stomach complaints, lumbago, gallstones and gout.


 English soldiers in the 80 Years’ War drank genever for its calming effects and Dutch courage.


 The availability and low cost of gin caused the disastrous Gin Craze, which, by the 1730s, saw consumption of poor quality gin by Londoners rise to two pints per week.


 It seems to have earned the name Mother’s Ruin for several reasons.


In the mid-18th century so much gin was drunk that it affected both family life and the economy; men became impotent and women sterile (supporting a drastic decline in birth rate). An old wives’ tale also recommended drinking a pint of gin and having a hot bath to induce a miscarriage in 1950s Britain.


 The gin sling — a mix of sweetened spirits and water enjoyed since the 1800s — was the forerunner of the cocktail.


Are you ready for Pimm’s o’clock?


Anno at Marden adds 16 botanicals to its super smooth Kent Dry Gin


Fortunately, our fondness for gin is more refined today and probably at its height in summer, thanks to the popularity of Pimm’s. There used to be six kinds of Pimm’s – numbered according to their base liquor – but today’s gin- based classic, Pimm’s No. 1, remains the best-seller - a taste enjoyed by The Queen, who gave it a Royal Warrant in 2010.


You can rustle up your own version – or near enough – with:


250ml gin 250ml sweet vermouth 125ml sweet sherry or port


125ml Cointreau or other orange liqueur


Pour into a large jar and shake. That’s it – you’re done!


More than just a Coffee Shop We offer…


• Breakfast and Lunch Menus Available


• Set By Beautiful Walks • Dog Friendly • Child Friendly


• Afternoon Tea Packages Available


• Cream Teas Available Daily


• Various Delicious Fresh Cakes


• Ice Cream Sundaes • Artisan Tea and Coffee • Free WIFI


Unit B, School Mews, School Lane, Iwade, Sittingbourne ME9 8UW • 01795 426520 • www.mewsbrewhouse.co.uk


Open 7 days a week • Monday-Friday 9am-4.30pm • Saturday – Sunday 10am-4pm Mid Kent Living 33


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64