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Simpsons' Wine Estate is pleased and proud to have developed such a wonderful friendship and working partnership with the Michelin-starred restaurant, Hide and Fox, which is located in Saltwood, near Hythe, Kent.
We are delighted to have co-hosted a series of superb wine dinners with the team at Hide and Fox. One of our highlights of 2022 was the amazing evening we held at Simpsons' on Sunday 4 September, where 40 guests joined us for a vineyard tour, a sparkling reception and an incredible five-course-dinner, perfectly paired with our wines.
We wanted to take the opportunity to shine a spotlight on Chef Patron, Allister Barsby, and fellow Owner, Alice Bussi.
Allister’s innovative take on classic British and European food is informed by a love of fresh seasonal produce, his roots on the Kent coast, and in-depth experience as an award-winning chef. Alice has made waves of her own both as a sommelier and manager, and together they have created Hide and Fox to deliver truly exceptional dining.
Where does the name 'Hide and Fox' originate from?
"Hide and Fox is an archaic saying for hide and seek that comes from the old Kentish vocabulary: heid und foks. It also features in Shakespeare’s Hamlet, Act 4 Sc 2, “Let the fox hide and the others all go to seek him.” (A dictionary of the Kentish Dialect and Provincialisms (1888), page 75)."
How does being located in Kent influence your menu?
"We certainly try and do our best to source local produce, especially fruit and vegetables, with Kent being renowned as the Garden of England. There is an abundance of great meat and seafood too, with nearby farms like Longland Farm, where we get our duck and chicken from. And, of course, the wine! Kent is now a worldwide recognised wine region and we take pride by being surrounded by wonderful vineyards."
Like Ruth and Charles Simpson, you are a wonderful dynamic duo, what is the recipe for your success?
"We trust and believe in each other and respect the other in how they manage their own part of the team. Our combined experience and knowledge come together to make the final decisions and we enjoy sharing in what we do. Our recipe for success is to work closely together, as well as independently, with the united goal of delivering the best we can to both our team and our guests. The passion and love behind it all is essential. "
Like Ruth and Charles Simpson, you are a wonderful dynamic duo, what is the recipe for your success?
"We trust and believe in each other and respect the other in how they manage their own part of the team. Our combined experience and knowledge come together to make the final decisions and we enjoy sharing in what we do. Our recipe for success is to work closely together, as well as independently, with the united goal of delivering the best we can to both our team and our guests. The passion and love behind it all is essential. "
Which is your favourite Simpsons' wine to pair with one of your signature dishes?
"We love creating cocktails using Chalklands NV, at the moment we have a Negroni, made with an English Bitter and a Kentish Sloe Gin, topped up with Chalklands and finished with smoke. However, Charles and Ruth Simpsons’ favourite is our ‘Hide and Fizz’, which was recently featured as The Guardian’s ‘Cocktail of the Week’.
We also love pairing the Railway Hill Rosé with our summery salmon starter, created with lavender foam, heritage tomatoes, dill and wasabi yoghurt and, of course, Rabbit Hole Pinot Noir with duck and cherries."
When you are not running an outstanding Michelin-starred restaurant, how do you unwind?
"This would come as a shocking surprise, but we love food! So eating out and supporting other restaurants is what we enjoy doing. We relax by walking Ruby, our dog, in the woods or on the beach, and taking time to unwind occasionally in the hot tub!"
