Celebrating Excellent Kentish Harvest Produce at Leeds Castle

As the nights are drawing in and the countryside of Kent turns to the rich hues of autumn, Leeds Castle has teamed up with some popular local food producers and our shops are bursting with delicious autumn goodies made right on your doorstep.

We are celebrating excellent local produce at Leeds Castle with Nip from the Hip Liqueurs, made near Maidstone, honey from a broad range of independent beekeepers across Kent, wines from Biddenden Vineyard and apple and pear crisps from Perry Court Farm, in the Stour Valley near Ashford.

James Sandy, Owner of our newest Kent supplier, Wantsum Brewery in Canterbury, said:

“The Wantsum brewery brand is founded on the rich history of Kent.  We are very excited to be supplying Leeds Castle as it's iconic status in Kent's history fits perfectly.  Further, it opens our product range to a huge demographic as it is visited by people from around the world”.

Nip from the Hip Liqueurs are made near Maidstone by Alison and Joy, a mother-daughter team. The inspiration for the company came from Alison and Paul’s wedding in 2011. Select guests were given hip flasks as a gift, filled with delightful Gin and Vodka based liqueurs made by Alison’s mother Joy.  Having a “nip from the hip” became common place in the day’s proceedings!  The liqueurs are made using Kent grown fruit to ensure the best possible quality.

Blue Bell Hill Apiaries produce honey without blending as other producers do.  Every time you buy from a new batch, it will have a deliciously different flavour influenced by the blooms in the local area at the time the bees were feeding.

Perry Court Farm is located in the Stour Valley in the finest Kent countryside near Ashford, surrounded by traditional apple and pear orchards, fields of fresh vegetables and summer fruits.  Run by Charlie Fermor, the family have been growing wonderful fruit and vegetables in a responsible and environmentally friendly way on the farm for three generations.

Leeds Castle is stocking their sweet and tangy apple and pear crisps, they are just sliced and air dried fruits; and juices from single varieties to show off the unique tastes.

Retail Manager for Leeds Castle, Bob Needham said:

“It’s wonderful to be able to partner with local business at the same time as fundraising to preserve the Castle for our local and international visitors. All of these products are truly excellent quality and ideal to put by for Christmas treats and gifts.

I’m glad to say many are firm favourites already, and our staff will be happy to help customers put together a selection of delicious foods and drink for that hard to buy for friend or family member.” 

You do not need an admission ticket for the Leeds Castle Shop at the main entrance and car parking is free. The shop is open daily from 10am – 5pm. Key to the Castle ticket holders can also visit the Castle Island shop daily from 10am - 4pm.