Love Local! Food Hall Tastings at Gravesend

From 2nd November-15th December we’re inviting customers to enjoy free tastings at our Gravesend Food Hall. Sample delights from some of our favourite local producers then pick up a few early gifts for the foodies in your life. Love local at Millbrook this Christmas!

Meopham Valley Vineyard – 1st November, 11am-3pm 

Located in the village of Meopham close to Gravesend, this award-winning family company dates back nearly 30 years. It was taken over by Ben and Surjit Bassi in 2014, who worked for the previous owner David Grey. They currently grow 10 grape varieties from Chardonnay and Pinot Nori to Leon Millot and Triomphe. We're big fans of their sparkling wines, perfect for special occasions and gifting

Dockyard Jam Factory – 8th November, 11am-3pm 

Award-winning Dockyard Jam Factory produce traditional jams, marmalades, and chutneys in small batches, using only the finest all-natural ingredients. All their products are vegan-friendly and gluten-free and are made locally in Rochester.  

Snowdonia Cheese - 15th November, 11am-3pm 

Founded in North Wales, The Snowdonia Cheese Company creates premium cheeses with bold flavours and a creamy texture. Using locally sourced ingredients, they craft each variety with British heritage and care. Their award-winning range, from rich Black Bomber to tangy Red Storm, makes a perfect (and colourful) gift for cheese lovers. 

Maidstone Distillery - 21st November, 1-3pm 

Maidstone Distillery crafts delicious spirits by blending local botanicals with old recipes and exotic ingredients. Powered by 100% green energy, their plastic-free packaging is fully recyclable, with no plastic- based tapes, polystyrene or shrink wrap - even the bottle seals are made from paper! Recognised by the Gin Guide for their greener approach, they also support the UK conservation charity Plantlife. 

Karamix – 22nd November, 11am-3pm 

Nestled among the fruit orchards and vineyards of Kent an old apple store has been repurposed into a thriving family-run factory producing Karimix’s range of relishes, chutneys, curry pastes, marinades, sauces and condiments. Inspired by the mixed heritage of owner and chief creator - Monica Chia – Karamix's recipes are a melting pot of Far and South-East Asian cultures and fusion cuisine.  Their products contain only the finest ingredients, locally sourced where possible, with no artificial flavours or preservatives.  

Biddenden Vineyards – 29th November, 11am-3pm 

Biddenden has been owned and managed by the Barnes family since 1969. Originally home to a 40 acre apple orchard, the family started to diversify in the late 1960s as apple prices began to decline. Today their vineyard spans 23 acres and is home to 12 different grape varieties – all still pruned and picked by hand. They produce award-winning White, Rosé, Red and Sparkling English wines as well as a delicious range of ciders and natural fruit juices.  

Balfour Winery – 6th December, 11am-3pm 

Balfour’s Brut Rose was the first English wine to win the International Wine Challenge in 2004 and the first to be served on board British Airways First Class flights worldwide. The Brut Rose was also chosen as the only English wine to be served at the London Olympics in 2012. As well as their award winning wines, Staplehurst based Balfour crafts fantastic beers and cider using local ingredients and sustainable brewing practices. Read more about Balfour in Adam’s blog

Curd and Cure – 13th December, 11am-3pm 

Started in 1988, Curd & Cure is a specialist cheese, charcuterie and artisan food wholesaler based in Staplehurst. Committed to preventing food waste, they work with Maidstone council and Time for The Homeless to distribute surplus stock to homeless people, people in temporary accommodation and voluntary soup kitchens across Medway and Maidstone. 

The Millbrook Butchers – every Saturday and Sunday from 2nd November-15th December 

The Millbrook Butchers opened in March 2022 and is also located in the Food Hall, supplying amazing fresh meats, cheeses and more. Pop in to try our delicious festive range including our famous hand made sausages, featured in dishes at our Mill restaurant. Plus, don't forget to order your festive hampers and meat in-store when you visit. 

We look forward to seeing you in-store! Share your photos @millbrookgardencentre or on our facebook pages.

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