Nathans Thoughts: October 2013

Gill Wing Farm

We are a small farm based in the beautiful village of Eridge Green on the Kent/Sussex border. We operate a mixed farming system of animals and vegetables, and we aim to offer you the biggest range of produce from our small piece of Sussex land, while always maintaining a high quality of goods.

As an outlet for our hard work we have opened a farm shop on site. Here we sell our own farm made products, other locally produced goods, plus a few other bits we think are truly worth your cupboard space! In addition, the Gill Wing Group has a workshop in London where we have restored vintage secateurs and axes into full working condition while maintaining their vintage beauty. There’s many treats to behold, so you will have to come and visit us to find out more!

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La Roche

Chris qualified as a Baker and had several jobs until he became the Bakery Manager at Sainsbury Cambridge for 7 years. He became disillusioned by the shocking way supermarkets were going and left to try something different. This was a huge learning curve and when his business took off in 3 months, he asked Harpal to join him in this exciting new venture.

Harpal had been to Ecole L’Notre & Cordon Bleu and in 1994 won the Chocolate Award from the British Baking Industry.

Harpal continued to excel in her craft spending lengthy periods in Paris to seek new ideas being taught by arguably the greatest chefs in the world, such as Claire Clarke, Stephan Glazier, and Alexander Bordeaux

1996 Chris was the runner-up for the Baker of the Year, competing with huge companies.

Finally. Chris and Harpal moved to Surrey in 2002 and Chris won the prestigious Baker of the Year Award from the British Baking Industry. Their motto ‘with a conscience is paramount to their desire to maintain the highest standards in patisserie.

Link to site

Basil Wholefoods

Established in April 2008 with the simple philosophy of providing deliciously wholesome, home-cooked food, scrumptious cakes & really great coffee, basil has become a hugely popular eatery in the St John’s area of Tunbridge Wells.
Matthew & Julia, the sibling partnership proudly developing this business, believe it is now time to take the basil experience out to the wider world… so with the opening of their second wholefoods cafe in the centre of Tunbridge Wells, here starts that journey & this brother & sister team now invite you to come along for the ride!

basil food is full of flavour, vibrant in colour & always loaded with good wholesome ingredients. Fresh, local produce every day ensures great food is always created & beautifully presented.

“For me, food has to first look colourful & inviting, followed closely by great aroma & finally, it always has to deliver fantastic taste & texture.”
Julia Ehren – Partner

There is a fantastically warm & friendly atmosphere at each cafe & genuine excitement from both the team & their regular customers as the basil word begins to spread. Matthew & Julia wish you a warm welcome & trust you enjoy your basil experience; be it their place, your place, work place or any place…

Link to site