THE SMUGGLERS' TALE
PAUL TOWNSEND, licensee of The Smugglers Inn, and his wife Jackie recently beat 400 other pubs in the south-east to win the Community Food Pub of the Year. The award, organised by brewer Shepherd Neame, to reward excellence in innkeeping skills, was sponsored by Grey-Simmons Manor, wholesale distributor of catering equipment, glassware and cleaning materials to the licensed trade.
The Townsends have won £300-worth of catering equipment and a £200 cheque. Paul Townsend says: "I don't know what piece of equipment we'll choose, but probably a grill."
Food is served at the pub Monday to Saturday from 12 noon to 2.15pm and from 7pm to 9.15pm.
The pub attracts a cross-section of people - mainly local residents and tourists, but no office workers and business people as the pub isn't centrally located. "We're a little too far out of Canterbury for people to pop in for lunch," says Paul.
Paul says most of the main items on the menu are home-made from scratch, although most desserts are bought in ready-made.
He likes Sharwoods Korma Curry Paste, 280 for using in ethnic meals. "It tastes great and isn't gritty or powdery. With powder, it takes longer to cook whereas paste is quick, easy and consistent."
He buys Tilda American Long Grain Rice, 281, as "it doesn't stick or get stodgy and it's a good price. I tend to serve rice or pasta with most dishes".
Pasta is Knorr tagliatelle, spaghetti or fusilli, 282, which Paul finds an excellent product with which to work. "It doesn't stick and gives good results."
He likes the Chef's Larder brand from Bookers, 283, for accompaniments like mango chutney, tartar sauce and mayonnaise.
Chips are very popular at The Smugglers Inn and Paul likes freeze chill 7/16 chips from Brake Brothers, 284, which he deep fries using Wesson oil, 285. "I've found other oils on the market don't last - it's worthwhile spending a bit more for a better quality oil."
Bisto granules, 286, are used to make gravy and any sort of stock sauce. "It's a good quality product and easy to use," he says.
Desserts are mainly bought in from Brake Bros - Baked Alaska, 287; Treacle Sponge, 288; Apple Flan, 289 and Chocolate Gateau, 290.
He commends Crazy About Coconut, 291, also by Brake Brothers, as it can be served straight from the freezer "and there's no wastage," he adds.
