Having celebrated Love British Food fortnight which highlights the diverse and delicious food Britain produces, it’s now peak time for the bountiful autumn harvest.
THE GOODS SHED
There’s never been such an important time to shop local and support your local growers and businesses, from farm shops to farmers’ markets, here’s our pick of Kent’s crop!
If there’s one Kent business to be celebrated it’s The Goods Shed, which brings together not only a farmers’ market, but also food hall and restaurant.
Owned by Kent local Susanna Sait, the business recently celebrated its 21st anniversary.
Susanna owns the fresh fishmongers, the nose-to-tail butchery, the loose larder, the fruit and veg stall, and the restaurant on the raised mezzanine overlooking the market.
The rest of the market is a combination of specialist vendors including Press Wine Services, Patriana Fine Foods, Little Sugar Bakery, Docker Brewery and Bread, Murray's General Stores, as well as Gill's Café and Delicatessen, and the Wild Goose.
Susanna said: “Some of our vendors have been here since day one, and the ones that have moved on went to set up their own bricks and mortar in the form of shops, restaurants, cafes... you could say that the Goods Shed has been a seed bed for some of the best local food businesses in the county.”
Susanna also recently acquired a 100-acre farm to continue her ethos of local and seasonal food, making the supply chain in Kent shorter and more reliable, and supporting East Kent economy and farmers.
Susanna added: “It's quite the place to celebrate. Many local people have grown up in here.
Where: Station Road West, Canterbury.
Find out more: thegoodsshed.co.uk
FARM SHOPS
Algar Lodge Farm Shop and Café
One of Kent's newest farm shops, the family-run business opened in 2020 with the aim of being all things Kent. There’s a butchery, delicatessen and café and customers can shop for everything under one roof. Supporting local farmers and producers, it means produce can be cut in the morning, and in the farm shop a few hours later. Loose items enable customers to buy exactly what they need which helps prevent food waste.
Where: Sandwich Road, Deal.
Find out more: Facebook and Instagram: Algar Lodge Farm Shop and Cafe
Groombridge Farm Shop
Believing in small scale farming, this local shop is not only renowned for its asparagus, but also seasonal fruit and vegetables. With 90 per cent of produce coming from Kent and Sussex, eating seasonally reduces food miles, dependence on imports as well as packaging and this is a great base to pick up produce from the area’s local suppliers.
Where: Groombridge Hill, Tunbridge Wells.
Find out more: groombridgefarmshop.co.uk
Staines Farm Shop
With every colour of the rainbow in the form of fruit and vegetables, the displays really are enough to make your mouth water and to not only pick up your usual five a day staples but to also be inspired to try something new. There’s everything from local fruit and vegetables, as well as more exotic varieties.
Where: 61 High Street, Whitstable.
Find out more: facebook.com/Staines-Farm-Shop
KENT FARMERS’ MARKET
Bridge
Aiming to provide good quality value-for-money and local produce, the market has been running since 2010. Not just a place to buy food, it also boasts craft stalls, furniture and jewellery and is a great social event and friendly market, too.
When: Every second and fourth Saturday of the month between 9am and noon.
Where: Red Lion Inn, High Street.
Find out more: bridgefarmersmarket.co.uk
Herne Bay
There’s a plethora of traders, local and guest producers and something for everyone. It’s not just the place to pick up a diverse selection of authentic products, it’s a good way to meet the producers directly. With different seasonal themes throughout the year, it’s a market not to be missed.
When: Second Sunday every month between 10am and 2pm.
Where: Wimereux Gardens, Williams Street.
Find out more: kfma.org.uk/herne_bay
Tonbridge
As the largest farmers’ market in the county, expect to find all you need from local producers. From cheese to confectionery, pastries to pet food, the list is endless and for foodies there’s cooking demonstrations held every month. A highly valued market, it’s a great place to support those small businesses, too.
When: Second Sunday of every month between 9.30am and 1.30pm.
Where: Sovereign Way.
Find out more: tonbridgefarmersmarket.co.uk
Lenham
A finalist in the Best Farmers Market Category in the 2020 Farm Retail Association Awards, the original Market Charter was granted by King John in 1206. The current market started in 2000 and offers delicious seasonal produce, grown and sourced in the local area. Fruit vegetables, fresh meat, fish, bread, cheese and honey are available.
When: Second Sunday every month between 9am and 1pm.
Where: Lenham Square.
Find out more: myfarmersmarket.co.uk/lenham-country-market/
Shipbourne
This year the farmers’ market celebrates its 20th anniversary, but it was back in 1285 when Edward I granted permission for a weekly market. Run entirely by volunteers, any surplus made by the market is donated to agricultural charities. A variety of stalls and click and collect system helps keep local producers and customers connected.
When: Every Thursday between 9am and 11am.
Where: St Giles’ Church, Stumble Hill.
Find out more: instagram.com/shipbournefmmkt/
West Malling
One of the busiest in the county, and an award winner, too, there are stalls selling everything from local produce, bread, cakes, fruit juice and much more.
With the high street closed to traffic, it’s the perfect opportunity to wander around the stalls and pick up some local fayre. Free parking is available.
When: Fourth Sunday of the month, 9.30am to 1.30pm.
Where: High Street.
Find our more: westmallingfarmersmarket.co.uk
Wye
Providing the local community with delicious, fresh, locally produced food for more than 20 years, there’s an enviable array of stalls selling everything from fresh bread and cakes to locally produced organic meats and fish. Passionate about local food producers, it’s here where you find the best of the county’s larder.
When: First and third Saturday of the month from 9am until noon.
Where: The Green.
Find out more: wyefarmersmarket.co.uk
