Good Food  DESTINATION DINING


Lite bites Mid Kent is fast becoming a destination for foodies,


so here are a few ideas to help you choose… The Butcher’s Block


Curious Eatery The award-winning Curious Eatery at The Albion in Boughton Monchelsea has had a year of many highlights and is rounding off 2017 with a series of interesting eating experiences. Run by Cordon Bleu chefs, much-


travelled sisters Lesley and Nicole Parry, this converted derelict pub is fast proving to be “must-eat-at” venue to rival the best in the Maidstone area.


On Thursday, November 30, is the


Curious Eatery’s Christmas Market, a chance to pre-order Christmas and Boxing Day feasts and sample delicious tasters. And there is an opportunity to meet Curious Eatery’s suppliers, partners and local business network. Tickets are £10 including a glass of fizz on arrival. Later, on Tuesday, December 19 from noon until 2.30pm and on Wednesday December 20 from 3pm until 5.30pm, the restaurant has its own Christmas grotto. Tickets are priced at £12.50 per child, and this includes a brownie and hot chocolate, a photo with its resident Graham Clarke (aka Father Christmas) a little gift from Santa – not to mention a 10% off voucher for food on the day and a special children's menu available. There is also a Wine and Wisdom, on


Thursday, December 14 with the quiz starting at 8pm. Tickets are £10 a head, including a spot of dinner.


The Plough at Langley Whether it’s afternoon tea or an à la carte menu that you crave, the newly- refurbished Plough at Langley is the latest gastro pub to offer an extended portfolio of options in this corner of Kent. Found at the crossroads, on the Sutton Road, just outside Maidstone, it offers something to suit all tastes, including


Simon Rickwood knew he was taking a gamble when he decided on a complete career change after working for more than 30 years as a family butcher. He and his wife, Joanna, threw themselves in at the deep end with the relaunch of a village pub at Burham and are delighted that all their hard work has paid off. For both it was a completely new venture. Simon had worked in the family business at Bearsted Green for 33 years, having started helping to make the beef burgers and sausages when he was just 12, and joining as an assistant when he was 16. For Joanna, getting to grips with the catering and licensing trade was also a swift learning curve as her previous jobs include managing a travel agency and a beauty salon. The pair have revamped the former


Toastmasters Inn in Church Street, which had been closed for some time and reopened it under a new name as The Butcher’s Block restaurant and bar. The property has had a stunning


makeover, with the addition of a new patio at the front and a garden terrace and courtyard at the back, giving glorious views of cornfields and woods, while preserving the laid- back country pub atmosphere. With their three chefs, Simon and Joanna, have created a menu offering


English and European


food with a surprising twist, such as halibut bourguignon. They use fresh, local produce including the beef, which is butchered, dry aged and hand trimmed on the premises. The dry age fridge is on show for all to see in the restaurant and this process allows them to achieve incomparable flavour and texture. They also offer vegan and vegetarian dishes. Next year, they have plans to host a variety of evenings, showcasing food and wines across Europe.


Simon said: “I knew it was time for a change and along with our family threw ourselves wholeheartedly into this. We both love entertaining and cooking for friends along with eating out, so it made complete sense to move our vocations into opening our first bar and restaurant. “The locals have made us feel very


welcome and they too are happy to see their local pub busy again and enjoying there being a buzz about the place too.


live music on Friday nights - on the Plough’s grand piano. It is the dream of Shaw Cavill and his partner Jasmine Marshall - who also run The Chequers at Loose. Together with Jasmine’s mum Maria and dad David, this is no ordinary family concern. In fact, David was hoping to retire after working at a restaurant in Park Lane for 30 years. But that was not to be the case after visiting the Plough, which reopened in November. Throughout the renovation process, Jasmine and Maria have overseen the interior design, which includes a huge copper bar, fresh flowers and linen


cloths in an elegant environment. Maria, who also runs a successful wedding cake business, also came up with the idea of serving vintage teas – for men and women; the gentleman’s option served with a tot of whisky!


Mid Kent Living 43


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