Top-down view of a square punnet of cherries with some spilled over onto the table;

What's in season?

Fresh and locally sourced

Celebrate the very best of the season with our selection of dishes showcasing fresh, locally sourced ingredients from trusted producers across Kent and the South East.

Working closely with independent growers and suppliers, we champion seasonal produce at its peak, bringing the freshest flavours to our pub menus throughout the year. From hand-picked strawberries in summer and freshly harvested asparagus in spring to other seasonal favourites as the months change, our chefs create dishes that highlight quality ingredients, provenance and great British flavours.

A tart with cherries on a white plate with a little blob of ice cream or perhaps compote

Cherry season

Cherries are delicious on their own and work well in both sweet and savoury dishes, with their deep red colour and unmistakable flavour. The UK season is short, lasting just a few weeks in July.

The history of cherries in Kent dates back to King Henry the 8th, who first brought cherries from France and introduced them to the area!

Our cherries are sourced locally from Hoaden Court Farm, between Canterbury and Sandwich, where 26 varieties are grown and picked over an 8-10-week period. Here, the varieties grow in plastic tunnels to protect the fruit while still allowing cross-pollination by bees, which is integral to their growth.

Our chefs have devised a selection of dishes to showcase the very best of these jewel-like fruits.

Our chef's cherry creations

Check the menu in your local Shepherd Neame pub and see what cherry dishes are on the menu

A plate of duck with cherry sauce with some peripheral indications of pints of ale and condiments

Cherry dishes

  • Ricotta, Prosciutto & Kentish Cherry Bruschetta - Toasted sourdough with thyme & honey.

  • Thyme-roasted Chicken & Kentish Cherry Salad - Served with pulled burrata, croutons, buckwheat, caramelised pecans, balsamic glaze, honey & mustard dressing.

  • Gressingham Confit Duck Leg - Served with potato & thyme terrine, wilted greens, red wine & morello cherry sauce

  • Cherry Eton Mess Ice Cream Sundae (v) - White chocolate & summer fruit ice cream, cherry compote, meringue pieces, topped with fresh Kentish cherries.

  • Cherry & Toasted Almond Meringue Tartlet  - Served with Chantilly cream

Person tucking into a recipe with strawberries with a glass of rose wine

The strawberry season

Does anything say summer more than strawberries? With their characteristic aroma, bright red colour, juicy texture, and sweetness, it's no wonder they are so loved. Our chefs have created a selection of dishes to showcase this beautiful fruit. 

Treat yourself to dishes such as a hot honey-smoked duck breast & strawberry salad, strawberry French toast, British honey & vanilla panna cotta, Strawberry & cherry Eton mess, and the sumptuous warm strawberry buttermilk sponge topped with a strawberry compote. Simply delicious.

Early season: Our strawberries are sourced from Hugh Lowe Farms, Mereworth. They also supply all of our blackberries and raspberries.
Main season: All strawberries are sourced from Newlands Farm, Teynham.

Our chef's strawberry creations

Check the menu in your local Shepherd Neame pub and see what strawberry dishes are on the menu:

Strawberry salad

Strawberry dishes

  • Hot honey smoked duck breast & strawberry salad - A vibrant salad mixed with feta cheese, pomegranate seeds, sourdough croutons, sesame seeds & mint
  • Warm strawberry buttermilk cake (v) - Clotted cream & strawberry compote
  • Strawberry French toast - Crispy brioche in vanilla cream, mascarpone, strawberry compote & maple syrup
  • British honey & Vanilla panna cotta - Strawberry & basil compote
  • Clock House Farm strawberry & cherry Eton mess (v) - Raspberry purée, strawberries & Morello cherries
  • Strawberry fluffy pancakes - Vanilla cream & salted caramel sauce
26th March - 23rd April

Lamb

We know that great food brings people together. Our food experts are passionate about creating and preparing only the finest food, and our seasonal lamb dishes are no exception! Perfectly in time for spring, our delicious lamb menu options include a variety of traditional British classics and Mediterranean-inspired fusions.

Lamb graphic