insideKENT Magazine Issue 48 - March 2016 | Page 16

NEWS

SIGNATURE MIRAMAR PRESENTATION TO THE RNLI

On Wednesday 27th January 2016 Signature Miramar, the award-winning
care home in Beltinge, presented a cheque for £490.01 to the head of
fundraising at Whitstable RNLI, Diane Lamberton.

The residents of the home had collected the money over the year by holding
a Masquerade Ball in the summer where the RNLI attended and gave them
a demonstration of the how the crew members were equipped when being
called out to rescue those in peril at sea. Various other events throughout
the year helped to swell the coffers.

The residents of the Miramar gathered in the Coastal lounge to applaud the
work the RNLI carry out. Also in attendance were Mr Larry Lamberton MBE.
Mr John Hill and Mrs Julia Hill all members of the RNLI team in Whitstable.
The cheque was presented by Mr Darren Humby, the care services manager
of the home and Mr Stephen Vaughan-Atkins, the hospitality manager.

With cheese and wine on offer the team from the RNLI and residents of the
Miramar sat chatting and discussing how the money would be invaluable
in maintaining the lifeboat and the equipment needed here in East Kent.

SHEPHERD NEAME PUB IS
THE BEST IN BRITAIN
The Sportsman in Seasalter has
been named as the best
gastropub in Britain for a second
year in a row at the Estrella Damm
Top 50 Gastropubs Awards.
The Shepherd Neame-owned
pub, run by brothers Stephen and
Phil Harris, picked up the title at
an awards lunch in January, after
receiving the most votes in an
industry poll organised by leading
pub industry magazine
the Publican’s Morning Advertiser.
Around 3,000 votes were cast to
determine the Top 50 by industry
experts including top chefs, pub
company bosses, pub guide
editors and food writers.
The Sportsman, which has held a
Michelin star for eight years, serves
high-quality food in a low-key,
cosy pub environment. It has
climbed steadily up the Top 50
Gastropubs list since entering in
twelfth place in 2010, and claimed
the top spot for the first time last
year. The Sportsman also took
second place in the National
Restaurant Awards 2015.

Tom Kerridge and Stephen Harris

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Head chef Stephen Harris makes
full advantage of the history and
agriculture of the pub’s rural
location near the seaside town of
Whitstable, churning his own
butter, making his own salt, baking
his own bread and using only the
finest, freshest produce from local
farms and fishermen.
He said: “We are very happy to
have received this award for a
second year running, particularly
as it is voted for by industry
experts. It is well-deserved
recognition for our dedicated team
of staff, as they work so hard
throughout the year.”
The awards, which were held at
Hermitage Rd Bar & Restaurant
in Hitchin, Hertfordshire, were
hosted by BBC Two Food & Drink
presenter and two Michelin starred
chef Tom Kerridge. Tom said:
“Stephen is one of the most
talented chefs in the country and
it’s a genuine honour to present
him with this award for the second
time.”