Maidstone Market and local Farmers Markets

Maidstone lies in the heart of one of the most important food producing regions in the country. There is a great variety of local produce and markets in Maidstone providing some of the finest food and drink. You can find excellent local goods in farm shops, specialist retailers, village shops and markets in Maidstone.  

Grown In The Garden Of England

Of course local produce is used in many of the gastro pubs and stylish restaurants so you can enjoy tempting mouth-watering menus in an array of eateries. You can enjoy a wide range of local produce from soft fruits to cheeses and chutneys, ice cream and chocolate, to fruit juices, wines and ciders.

Farmers' Markets

There is a farmers' market in Jubilee Square, Maidstone on the 4th Friday of every month and there are also regular farmers' markets in many of the surrounding villages. These are ideal if you are staying in a holiday cottage and wish to cater for yourselves. There are also plenty of farm shops that you will come across as you travel around the country roads. Maidstone Market is a general market that also has local produce stalls and takes place twice a week at Lockmeadow in the town centre. Farmers’ Markets happen regularly in Bearsted, Aylesford, Headcorn, Sutton Valence and Lenham.

Grapes & Hops

Around Maidstone there are some of the finest wine producers in the country. Local winery Hush Heath Estate produces England's most exclusive pink fizz and Biddenden Vineyard, Kent’s oldest family run vineyard, produces award-winning wines and ciders. Both offer tastings and guided tours.

Kent is famous for its hops and its long history of hop-picking and beer-making. You can sample the famous Spitfire ale produced by Shepherd Neame in the pubs and restaurants, but look out for more unusual ales produced by many micro breweries. Goachers Brewery can be found almost in the centre of Maidstone and whilst it doesn't have a tasting room on site The Flower Pot on Sandling Road is a Goachers Pub.  The Musket Brewery at Loddington is another very good local brewery and they have a tap room which is open on specific hours, but well worth a try if you love a bit of craft beer.

Take Home A Taste Of Kent

You are sure to enjoy the Kentish food and drink and, like many before you, will find it too good to leave. Local produce is ideal for gifts or just to take with you and savour once you get home. Produced in Kent will help you find out about Kentish products and producers and discover where and when to buy locally.  There is also an excellent website helpkentbuylocal.co.uk which helps you get a significant chunk of Kent goodies delivered to your door.