The award-winning English wine and cider producer opens The Saffa Bru just in time for summer
Woolton Farm, home of the award-winning Woolton Wines and Kentish Pip ciders, has launched a new South African dining experience at its historic Kentish Tithe barn, in Bekesbourne, near Canterbury.
The farm, which is home to award-winning cider producer Kentish Pip and also has a vineyard producing still and sparkling English wines, has opened BBQ kitchen, The Saffa Bru, in partnership with chef, Keaton Randall, who is renowned for his South African-inspired street food.
The kitchen is set in a picturesque location within a fruit garden at the centre of Woolton Farm, right next to the 14th century barn – a perfect spot for an afternoon with family and friends.
Serving up a menu cooked fresh over a wood-fired BBQ, dishes include the Butcher’s BBQ Board, a feast of lamb chops, boerewors, rump steak kebabs, garlic & thyme chicken skewers, corn on the cob, house tomato chutney and chimichurri; the Mussel Pot, cooked using Kentish Pip cider; and several vegan options including a Chickpea Bean Burger and BBQ Beetroot and Chickpea Salad.
Woolton’s managing director, Sam Mount, said the partnership came about after the farm opened up to visitors during lockdown.
“The barn used to just be an agricultural barn but during lockdown we renovated it and opened up for visitors to have drinks and charcuterie and cheese platters in the garden,” he said. “People loved it and started asking if we would do more food so we embarked on finding a partner. We’re excited to be serving up a feast for the senses this summer on the farm, combining Keaton’s delicious South African fare with our own Woolton Farm twists.”
The farm will also be serving a brunch menu from Friday to Monday and, of course, plenty of locally-produced refreshments including the farm’s own gold award-winning Woolton Cuvée No1 2015, sparkling rosé 2014 and exciting Chardonnay Pet Nat 2020, as well as their still wines, a Bacchus, Chardonnay and Rose.
Should visitors wish to extend their stay, eight bell tents sit just behind the barn for a spot of glamping, or guests can pitch up a tent in Ellen’s Meadow, which sits on route to the one-acre vineyard. There are also three self-catering cottages available to rent.
The Saffa Bru at Woolton is open each day from midday to 9pm and from 9am to 11am Friday to Monday until October 3.
