Macknade's plans for new Ashford food & drink hub

Macknade has marked its 40th birthday celebrations with the announcement of a new food and drink hub in Ashford's Elwick Place. Already famous for its award-winning flagship food hall in Faversham, Macknade is set to fill the new space with an all-day dining experience, surrounded by its familiar groceries and delicatessen counters.

"We have a really strong spirit of family and community at Macknade, so this will be reflected in our new space. It can accommodate between 100-120 people and there will be both individual and communal tables where customers can enjoy the informal space together.

"As well as shoppers and diners, we will welcome business meetings, specialist tastings, parties and music nights," says Stefano Cuomo, Managing Director of Macknade and the sixth generation to run the family business.

"For over 40 years we've celebrated more than just fine food and drink, for me it's about people and communities coming together. We enjoy discovering and selling the incredible array of food from our Kentish doorstep as well as cuisine from around the globe. We're all about creating a food and drink experience that is so much more than just a restaurant or shop.

"The plan is to provide a morning to evening offering, with customers enjoying breakfast, brunch, evening supper and drinks in the same space. We want to create the same 'favourite place' feeling that is so apparent amongst customers in our Faversham food hall," comments Cuomo.

"We've seen a real increase in the number of consumers choosing to shop locally and engage with independent businesses. Customers no longer want to shop and dine solely at supermarkets and chain formats; people want to know where their food comes from and that the businesses they are spending with are sustainable. This ethos has been supported throughout the county by organisations like Visit Kent and Produced in Kent," Cuomo explains.

From the new Ashford menu you can order freshly prepared breakfasts, lunch or supper, which showcase the best of Macknade's Kentish and Mediterranean roots. The menu will include locally sourced salads, sandwiches, vegetables, delicatessen platters and meat dishes sourced and prepared by Macknade butchers. Plus, there'll be vegetarian and vegan options, quality ground fresh coffee and home-baked cakes every day.

What's more you can watch mixologists create cocktails in the bar area, which will also stock the best beer, cider, wine, spirits & soft drinks from Kent's flourishing drinks scene.

Alternatively, if you're there to shop you can browse around the delicatessen counters which will feature an extensive array of local, British and continental cheese and charcuterie, so cherished by customers of Macknade's flagship food hall in Faversham.

So whether you're looking to cook a romantic meal or you're out wedding shopping why not pop into the new Macknade's and see what's on offer?

Check out www.macknade.com