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Chef Robin Read is partnering with Hepple Spirits for an exclusive one-off dinner at The Counter, Tunbridge Wells, on Thursday 25^th September.

The seven-course specially paired menu will highlight the botanicals used in Hepple’s artisan Gin and Vodka including douglas fir, bog myrtle, lovage and blackcurrant leaves, sourced from the Northumbrian landscape.

Hepple Spirits have been on The Counter’s menu since the restaurant’s launch to local and national acclaim in April 2024 and the continuing partnership is testament to a shared commitment of values seeking quality and sustainability. Hepple’s innovative approach to distillation and commitment to preserving the natural beauty of Northumberland sits well with Robin’s love of classic technique with elegant and unique flavours.

On the night, Robin will be joined by Luke Comer from Hepple Spirits to talk through and offer tastings of the individual botanical distillates. Beginning with First Bites and an aperitif of either a Hepple Gin & Tonic or a Hepple Douglas Fir Martini, the menu showcases key botanicals in the Hepple gin used in dishes and drinks, including Lemon Peel, Fennel Seeds, Douglas Fir, Lovage, Juniper and Blackcurrant Leaf. Diners will enjoy Orkney hand-dived scallop with artichoke, celeriac ragu and douglas fir oil paired with a Hepple Douglas Fir Sour, a refreshing short cocktail made with Hepple Douglas Fir Vodka, dry vermouth, Somerset cider brandy, elderflower cordial and lemon juice; and for dessert a caramelised apple tart with sweet-pickled blackcurrants and blackcurrant leaf ice cream, paired with Curlew Calling, a herbaceous cocktail with notes of sweetness from blackcurrant jam made with Hepple Gin and Lillet Rose, garnished with a sprig of lemon thyme.

Reservations are open from 1^st September and cost £135 per person including drinks pairing.

The Counter x Hepple Spirits Menu

First Bites

Douglas Fir Martini

Hepple Gin & Tonic

Bread, Butter & Broth

 

Lemon Peel & Fennel Seeds

Kohlrabi Rosette, Seaweed, Fennel Seed & Herb Dressing

Classic French 75

 

Douglas Fir

Orkney Hand dived Scallop, Artichoke, Celeriac Ragu, Douglas Fir Oil

Douglas Fir Sour

 

Lovage

North Sea Cod, Toasted Pearl Barley & Lovage Orzotto

Pouilly Fume, Domaine les Ormousseaux

 

Juniper

Eridge Estate Venison Loin, Juniper Braised Beets, Foraged Cep & Kale

Barbera d’Alba ‘Trevigne’, Viette

 

Blackcurrant Leaf

Caramelised Apple Tart, Sweet Pickled Blackcurrants, Blackcurrant Leaf Ice Cream

Curlew Calling

 

The Sweet Treat Tower

www.thecountertw.com | @the_counter_tw | @robin__read
The Counter | 77 Calverley Road | Tunbridge Wells | Kent | TN1 2UY