Love good food? Then a new shop in Headcorn is the place for you as Helen Whately, MP for Faversham and Mid Kent, found out when she visited for the opening of Foodie's Emporium.

The store in North Street is the brainchild of Simon Cannell, who is the MD of the artisan bakery Speciality Breads in Margate.

Mr Cannell arranged for celebrity chef Lesley Waters to attend the opening and give a baking workshop to Mrs Whately and other invited guests, who included Cllr Wendy Hinder, the deputy mayor of Maidstone, her husband Bob, borough councillors Karen Chappell-Tay and Martin Round and county councillor Shellina Prendergast.

Foodie’s Emporium offers a collection of breads, cheeses, wines, beers, cordials, chutneys and jams, all selected from independent producers.

There is also a coffee shop.

Mr Cannell said: “There is no secret to baking great bread - you just need to make sure that you have the best bakers, the best ingredients and plenty of time, as good bread can never be rushed."

He said: “At Foodie’s Emporium we wanted to create somewhere for people to celebrate great food."

"In a way we have reinvented a great British institution, the corner shop.

"We have curated the finest foods from near and far, created a rustic contemporary environment, added the highest standards of customer service and all set in a village location. Perfect.”

Mrs Whately said: “We often hear about shops closing down on our high streets in this age of online shopping, so it’s great to see a fantastic local shop opening in the village.

“Foodie’s is a great addition to Headcorn’s fabulous independent shops, pubs, tearooms and restaurants."

The shop is open from 8am to 7pm. Details from 01622 891856.

For more news on big brands and good places to enjoy a tasty bite, head to our Eat, Drink, Shop section

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