TV chef backs Shepherd Neame local food initiative

A Spitfire with your sausage roll and the Bishop's Finger in your bap are among the interesting possibilities raised by a new local food sourcing initiative launched by Shepherd Neame.

The Kent brewer has recruited a local hero, in the form of celebrity TV chef Phil Vickery, to help Sheps develop new food and drink ideas for its pubs.

The aim is to use local producers wherever possible - and with Kent known as "the garden of England" and the company's home town of Faversham surrounded by farmland, there will be no shortage of candidates.

In addition, Phil will be working with Sheps' menu development team to create pub dishes which can be matched to use the brewer's range of beers. As well as cask ales, the company brews lagers under licence including Kingfisher - a classic curry accompaniment.

Phil, who was born in Folkestone, Kent and is well known for championing British food, said: 'I'm a man of Kent, and my first pint was a Shepherd Neame beer. I'm relishing the opportunity of working with a company which is so passionate about its products."

A regular on TV shows Ready Steady Cook​ and This Morning​, Phil is married to TV presenter Fern Britton.

Shepherd Neame chief executive Jonathan Neame said: "The company is about to launch our exciting new initiative to promote Local Food from Local People, and in addition, we would like to see more beer accompanying food.

"Phil Vickery's expertise and enthusiasm for quality British produce will be invaluable in making them a success."