We were recently booked for a private dinner party to celebrate a 70th birthday.  It was held in the beautiful and historic Boys Hall near Ashford, Kent.

Unfortunately we didn't take any pictures of the food. The guests had Canapes which were Crying Tiger Beef Rice Paper Rolls, Fried Quails Eggs & Truffle Butter on Melba Toast and Tandoori Chicken Roulades, Mango Chutney & Mini Popadum.  This was followed by a 3 course meal of Duck Rillette with Smoked Bacon, Apricots & Sour Dough.  Followed by Braised Lamb Shank, Truffled Celeriac Puree, Heritage Carrots, Rosemary & Redcurrant Jus.  Finished with Churros, Cinnamon Sugar, Butterscotch Sauce.

The guests were a lovely group to work for, and the house was a wonderful setting for the celebration.  The evening went without a hitch.  From a chefs perspective the kitchen was large and well equipped with lots of oven space.  Couldn't ask for more.  
Hopefully we will be back soon.

We recently catered for a 60th Birthday celebration at a private house in the village of Hartley in Kent.  14 guests attended and the client wanted the works.  Drinks reception, canapes, 3 course meal, 2 waiters and 1 chef.  The evening was a success and we might be back in the summer to do a BBQ in the lovely south facing garden.
Some photos below, confit duck and streaky bacon before being picked down to make the duck rillette.  Rhubarb & stem ginger cheesecake with textures of rhubarb.  Crying tiger fillet of beef rice paper rolls, a very hot Asian marinade on the beef.  And the waiters posing after setting the table, time to smarten up before the guests arrive.  
Plenty more of these booked this year, must remember to blog blog blog.......

Kent has a great history of brewing beer.  In recent years the range of locally brewed beer has increased.  The small artisan producers are turning out some absolutely lovely tasting stuff.  There are plenty of different twists and types of flavours, traditional, IPA, bitter etc, its all there.  Something to go with all the great produce in Kent.
Macknade farm shop between Faversham and Canterbury has a great range.  Also stocking lots of fine meats, fish, veg and cheese to go with them.  A visit must be made.......