Members Connect at Macknade's New Hop Shed Bar & Eatery

Last week, Produced in Kent members gathered at Macknade Food Hall in Faversham for an evening of connection, conversation, and - unexpectedly - an ice cream tasting flight.

The event marked a fitting occasion: the opening of Macknade's brand-new Hop Shed Bar & Eatery, part of The Food Village, their vibrant street food market. Rosie Collins, Macknade's Sales & Marketing Director, opened proceedings with an insight into the new space and what's next for this much-loved Kent food destination. Macknade is growing fast, and hearing about their plans first-hand was a reminder of just how exciting the Kent food and drink scene continues to be.

Then Phil Harrison, Head Ice Cream Creator and co-founder of Bears Ice Cream, took to the floor - and out came the ice creams. An ice cream tasting flight is not something you come across every day, and members worked their way through five flavours: Vegan Raspberry & Chocolate, Rhubarb Sorbet, Salted Caramel and Pumpkin Seed, Strawberry & Cream, and the rather intriguing Miso Banana Butterscotch. Bears Ice Cream are award-winning for good reason, and the reactions in the room said everything.

From there, the evening opened out into proper networking - fuelled by pizza and sliders from the Macknade Food Village vendors - in what turned out to be perfect ice cream weather. It was relaxed, warm, and exactly what these evenings are about: members meeting members, sharing ideas, and making things happen.

Thanks to Rosie, Phil, and the whole Macknade team for being such generous hosts. Photos from the evening are by Stepstone Imaging.

Not yet a member? If you're a food, drink, or craft business in Kent, evenings like this are just one of the reasons you're missing out. Our next networking event heads to Castle Farm - Kent's legendary lavender farm. Watch this space.