Wild garlic from the estate at Hever Castle is being used by the catering team as part of ongoing sustainable efforts.
The restaurants, where possible, use local produce and seasonal food and drink from Kent, Surrey and Sussex is sold in the Hever Shop.
In the latest initiative Head Chef Callum Smith has teamed up with Head Gardener Neil Miller to see if more produce from the gardens can be used in the kitchens.
Previously, Encore apples from the orchard have been used to create caramelised apple sausage rolls on sale in the Moat Cafe.
Now wild garlic from the estate is being used as part of one of the wedding menu options for couples getting married at Hever Castle.
The wild garlic is being used to make garlic oil and garlic butter which will added to arancini and on new potatoes on seasonal wedding menus.
As well as helping to keep Hever Castle’s carbon footprint low it is saving money as wild garlic can be £37 a kilo to buy.
Callum said, the taste is: “a bit more subtle, it’s not as strong as garlic.”
The wild garlic was picked from areas of the estate where it was growing in abundance and visitors are urged not to be tempted to take any during a visit. Wild garlic can be mistaken for other poisonous plants like Lily of the Valley and should not be picked near daffodils or bluebells. Those wanting to know more about sustainable foraging of wild garlic can find out more here.
Hever Castle is rated silver for green tourism. Read more about other sustainable efforts here.
Book your visit to Hever Castle & Gardens.
Within the grounds of the Hever Castle Estate, there are two opportunities for you to stay the night with us.
Hever Castle has played host to many important events and celebrations for over 600 years. In 1903 when William Waldorf Astor set about restoring Hever Castle to its former glory, he added the Astor Wing, to accommodate his family and guests, before creating a lake and the spectacular Italian Garden to house his impressive collection of ancient Greek and Roman statuary.
There are multiple places to eat & drink across the Hever Castle Estate. Select between the Castle & Gardens and Golf Club below to discover more.
Set in the mature grounds of the Hever Castle Estate, Hever Castle Golf Club is a 27 hole Kent golf course that will encourage and inspire all golf enthusiasts.
Set in the mature grounds of the Hever Castle Estate, the Wellbeing Centre consists of five smart treatment rooms.
