reviews / links
Heading for Kent or the Sussex Coast? Any of the following are worth a detour:
Rock-a-Nore Fisheries
You'll find this excellent fishmongers and smoke house tucked away under the cliffs east of Hastings Old Town, opposite the towering 17th century net huts and 'the Stade' fishing beach. The owners have helped put Hastings firmly on the food lovers map by gaining Marine Stewardship Council certification for their supplies of Dover sole, herring and mackerel - so you can rest assured that these fish come from an environmentally responsible and sustainable fishery. Their oak-smoked lines include delicious hot and cold smoked salmon, sardines, undyed smoked haddock, buckling and kippers. They have fantastic locally caught sea bass and scallops in season. Mail order available.
Rock-a-Nore Fisheries, 3 Rock-a-Nore Road, Hastings, East Sussex TN34 3DW
Tel: 01424 445425
www: www.rockanore.co.uk
The Chapel Down Winery
The Chapel Down Winery is home to the largest producer of English wines. And very good they are too, scooping up many prestigious awards at National and International level, and producing traditional-method sparkling wine to rival fine Champagne. Visitors can explore the vineyard and grounds unaccompanied or take a guided tour that includes the winery (£6.50, March to October only) followed by a free tasting in the Fine Food and Wine Store. Upstairs the city-chic restaurant and bar are a recent collaboration Michelin starred TV chef Richard Phillips. The style of cooking is‘contemporary British’ with the emphasis on locally sourced ingredients to complement suggested wines.
The Chapel Down Winery, Small Hythe, Tenterden, Kent TN30 7NG
Tel: 01580 766111
Steamer Trading Cook Shop
The historic town of Battle has plenty to attract visitors, but for enthusiastic cooks this shop is worth the trip in it's own right. Don’t be deceived by the quaint exterior the shelves are filled from floor to ceiling with some of the best brands in cookware. The product range covers the basics such as pans, knives, ceramic baking beans and pastry cutters alongside more specialised items from butter muslin to pork pie tins. There is a huge and colourful selection nifty and inexpensive gadgets. You will also find design classics from brands such as KitchenAid, Dualit and Alessi that have helped to create many a dream kitchen. Add to that the special order service for items you’ve been unable to find anywhere else and it’s hard leave without buying something…
Steamer Trading Cook Shop, 13/14 High Street, Battle, East Sussex TN30AE
Tel: 01424 772038
www: www.steamer.co.uk
Orchard Farm Shop
Located a mile or so north of Hurst Green on the A21, the Orchard Farm Shop sells a superb selection of locally grown produce including salad leaves and freshly cut herbs. The fridges are well stocked with traditionally cured bacon, farm house cheese, smoked meats and more. There are plenty of that would make fine culinary gifts - try the local comb honey, fresh pesto sauce or even a box of duck eggs. The cakes and pies look tea room scrumptious and you can pick up a loaf of bread from The Rye Bakery. They also do an interesting line in herb plants in the gardening section, I picked up Japanese herb perilla and myrtle on my last visit.
Orchard Farm Shop, Hurst Green, East Sussex, TN19 7QS
Tel: 01580 860501
Bung Ho!
A gem of a shop in upcoming Norman Road selling wine and beer making supplies that cover just about every home brewing need. The staff are helpful and knowledgeable, and if they don't stock it, they will make an effort to track it down for you. I don't think I have seen this shop advertise but you would be surprised how many folk from the surrounding towns and villages can point you in the right direction!
76 Norman Road,St Leonard’s on Sea,East Sussex, TN38 0EJ
Tel: 01424 437045