Regional food
South East England
Raise a glass of fine, sparkling wine to the beautiful vineyards of the South East, or sip a soft, fruity apple juice and dip sweet, succulent, Kentish strawberries into cool, rich cream. Travel through blossom laden orchards to enjoy a glass of mellow cider from Biddenden Vineyards & Cider Works. Tangy local cheeses and freshly baked crusty breads make the ideal lunch, or try tender lamb from Romney Marsh, spiced with the subtle tang of salted breezes. Be tempted by Whitstable shellfish at a bustling beachside restaurant overlooking sparkling waters where fishermen hold a July festival to celebrate their famous oysters. Hops grown in scenic, aisled 'gardens' add a magic tang to local beers and regional mustard, and they’re part of the landscape – the 'witches hat' oast-houses are drying kilns. Every village has its 'local' pub, many offering a selection of real ales, pulled cool from dark cellars. New Forest game and fungi are piled high in friendly farmers’ markets and provide tempting fare for restaurants and pubs. Cool, chalk rivers, meandering through verdant Hampshire, yield crisp, dark watercress and succulent plump trout. Visit Artisan smokers such as the Weald Smokery at Flimwell in East Sussex, where they smoke salmon and other delicacies over slow fires of oak logs harvested in nearby forests.
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