This family favourite cake was a success on our radio feature, The Breakfast Bake-off , this week, as Presenter Matt James made... Pineapple upside-down cake! Marketing Manager Eleanor rated it an 8 -out-of-10 which is a brilliant score for Matt James as this is something his mum made for him growing up and has a lot of sentimental value! Digital Content Creator Georgina rated it a 6.5-out-of-10 as she felt like something was missing from it... CUSTARD ! Tune into tomorrow's Breakfast show as Georgina will be trying it with custard! We didn't want you to miss out so check out this recipe to make your own pineapple upside-down cake: For the topping: 50 g softened butter 50g light soft brown sugar 7 pineapple rings in syrup, drained and syrup reserved 7 glacé cherries For the cake: 100g softened butter 100g golden caster sugar 100g self-raising flour 1 tsp baking powder 1 tsp vanilla extract 2 eggs Instructions: Heat oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4. For the topping, beat 50g softened butter and 50g light soft brown sugar together until creamy. Spread over the base and a quarter of the way up the sides of a 20cm round cake tin. Arrange 7 pineapple rings on top (reserving the syrup for later), then place 7 glacé cherries in the centres of the rings. Place 100g softened butter, 100g golden caster sugar, 100g self-raising flour, 1 tsp baking powder, 1 tsp vanilla extract and 2 eggs in a bowl along with 2 tbsp of the reserved pineapple syrup. Using an electric whisk, beat to a soft consistency. Spoon into the tin on top of the pineapple and smooth it out so it’s level. Bake for 35 mins. Leave to stand for 5 mins, then turn out onto a plate. Serve warm with a scoop of ice cream. You can listen back to any of our shows via the Listen Again function on our app - it's free to download! Enjoy your pineapple upside-down cake! Don't forget to tag us in anything online - we want to see your Monday bake-off creations!

The Breakfast Bake-off was a little different this week, as Marketing Manager Eleanor FORGOT! This came as the perfect opportunity to prank Presenter Matt James! Digital Content Creator Georgina went on a mission to find some chocolate brownies that could be used to trick Matt James and she found some amazing brownies from the local bakery. Of course we had to cut them into fours so they didn't look as perfect as they did. All that was left to do was to p erform the prank live on the Breakfast Show. If you missed the segment you can listen back to the show via the Listen Again function on our app - it's free to download! The brownies were revealed and Matt James rated it an amazing 10-out-of-10. However it was only right that Eleanor and Georgina came clean and admitted the trick. Matt James was truly surprised and the prank was a success ! Now if you are wanting to make some gooey brownies of your own here is a similar recipe! Your ingredients: 150g butter 75g light soft brown sugar 150g plain chocolate, broken into pieces 1 tbsp golden syrup 3 eggs 125g golden caster sugar 1 tsp vanilla extract 150g plain flour ½ tsp baking powder 3 tbsp cocoa powder, plus more to dust 4-6 tbsp dulce de leche, caramel or chocolate hazelnut spread Instructions: STEP 1: Heat the oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4. Line a 20cm square cake tin with baking parchment. Melt together the butter, brown sugar, chocolate and golden syrup gently on a low heat until it is smooth. Remove the pan from the heat. STEP 2: Whisk together the eggs and caster sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy – this will take a few minutes and is worth doing properly. Add the vanilla extract, then sift over the flour, baking powder and cocoa powder and add the chocolate mixture. Fold everything together quickly and scoop half of the mixture into the tin. Dot over scoops of caramel or chocolate hazelnut spread and then scoop the rest of the brownie mixture over the top. Add more scoops of caramel or chocolate spread, if you like, and bake for 30 mins. The top of the mixture should now be set and slightly cracked looking, but the mixture underneath will still have a slight wobble. STEP 3: Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely before cutting into squares. Dust the tops with cocoa or icing sugar, if you like, or if serving as a dessert drizzle with more caramel. Will keep for 3 days in an airtight container. You can listen back to any of our shows via the Listen Again function on our app - it's free to download! Enjoy your chocolate brownies! Don't forget to tag us in anything online - we want to see your Monday bake-off creations!

On Wednesday the 8th of December 2023, the Made in Kent team visited Knole Academy for their careers fair! Marketing Manager Eleanor discussed the exciting opportunities in radio and media with the students. At Made in Kent we love to connect with the local community and believe it is crucial to give students the opportunity to learn about all of the fabulous roles in radio whether that be behind or in front of the microphone including being a marketing manager, digital content creator or presenter! Our Made in Kent Radio team team spoke to students from year 9 to 13 and gave them all of the information about Made in Kent but also advice of how to get started in the radio and media industry. We had our own stall which was incredibly popular as we had our professional studio equipment including our RodeCaster sound system , microphones so students could hear themselves speak and a monitor screen where students could see the running order of the show. Despite being based in Kent we are expanding our franchise to offer guidance, advice and experience to as many students as possible across the UK. If you are interested in this opportunity please email Marketing Manager Eleanor Rose at eleanor@madeinkent.co.uk. If you would like to learn about radio and want the chance to use our professional equipment you can sign up to our media lab experience! This includes a 90 minute radio and presenting experience which teaches you how to use the studio desk and playout system, write and present your own links, learn to voice-track and present live on the radio and you will finish the day by presenting live on the radio! Check out our 'School' website tab to look at our various packages!

Kent is buzzing with excitement as Orchard Theatre opens its new temporary home, Orchard West. The Made in Kent Radio team recently had the privilege of attending the press viewing of this new site on Friday 8th December 2023, and it's safe to say that Dartford has an exciting future! Nestled conveniently at 20-54 Hythe Street, Dartford, Kent, Orchard West is just a stone's throw away from the original Orchard Theatre. The address is 20-54 Hythe Street, Dartford, Kent,DA1 1BX. One of the striking features of Orchard West is its impressive size, boasting over 1000 seats to accommodate eager audiences. This seating is actually a larger capacity than the original theatre. CEO and Presenter Matt James, accompanied by Marketing Manager Eleanor Rose, had the honour of seeing the first-look at the new theatre in Dartford, Kent. During the press event, Matt James interviewed key figures behind Orchard Theatre and Orchard West's success. Caroline Hicks, the Director of Growth and Community, shared insights into the theatre's commitment to fostering community ties. Tal Rosen, the Theatre Director, shed light on the vision, and the thrilling lineup of performances awaiting theatregoers. Orchard West is officially set to open its doors on Saturday, 9th December 2023, with the production of Beauty and The Beast. Orchard West will be the stage for captivating performances until the new theatre reopens in 2024. The closure of the original Orchard Theatre was necessitated by essential works following concerns over RAAC concrete. Head to their website to find out more, and book tickets. https://orchardtheatre.co.uk/Online/default.asp

On Wednesday the 29th of November 2023, the Made in Kent team visited Dartford Grammar School for boys for their careers fair! Presenter Sophie Montague and Marketing Manager Eleanor spoke to students about the amazing roles in radio and media but also their previous experience in the industry. At Made in Kent we love to connect with the local community and believe it is crucial to give students the opportunity to learn about all of the fabulous roles in radio whether that be behind or in front of the microphone including being a marketing manager, digital content creator or presenter! Presenter Sophie Montague and Marketing Manager Eleanor spoke to students from years 9-13, providing details about the setup at Made in Kent, introducing our presenters, and guiding them on how to connect with us across various platforms. We had our own stand with a variety of merchandise, including leaflets and mugs, alongside our professional radio equipment. Our equipment included a RodeCaster sound system , microphones for students to hear their own voices, and a monitor screen which displayed the show's schedule. It was truly inspiring to see the students actively participating and showcasing their enthusiasm for radio. Despite being based in Kent we are expanding our franchise to offer guidance, advice and experience to as many students as possible across the UK. If you are interested in this opportunity please email Marketing Manager Eleanor Rose at eleanor@madeinkent.co.uk. If you would like to learn about radio and want the chance to use our professional equipment you can sign up to our radio school experience day! The day includes learning how to use the studio desk and playout system, write and present your own links, learn to voice-track and present live on the radio and you will finish the day by presenting live on the radio! Check out our Radio School website tab to look at our various packages!

On Wednesday the 4th of October 2023, the Made in Kent team visited Harris Academy in Falconwood for their careers fair! Presenter Matt James and Marketing Manager Eleanor talked about their previous experience in the industry and the various roles available in radio and media. At Made in Kent we love to connect with the local community and believe it is crucial to give students the opportunity to learn about all of the fabulous roles in radio whether that be behind or in front of the microphone including being a marketing manager, digital content creator or presenter! Presenter Matt James and Marketing Manager Eleanor talked to students from different years, sharing information about the set up at Made in Kent, who our presenters are and how to engage with us on a variety of platforms. We had our own stand that was filled with a range of exclusive merchandise that included informative leaflets, branded mugs and personalised member cards. Despite being based in Kent we are expanding our franchise to offer guidance, advice and experience to as many students as possible across the UK. If you are interested in this opportunity please email Marketing Manager Eleanor Rose at eleanor@madeinkent.co.uk. If you would like to learn about radio and want the chance to use our professional equipment you can sign up to our radio school experience day! The day includes learning how to use the studio desk and playout system, write and present your own links, learn to voice-track and present live on the radio and you will finish the day by presenting live on the radio! Check out our Radio School website tab to look at our various packages!

On Friday the 10th of November 2023, the Made in Kent team visited St Olave's Grammar School in Orpington for their careers fair! Marketing Manager Eleanor discussed the exciting opportunities in radio and media with the students. At Made in Kent we love to connect with the local community and believe it is crucial to give students the opportunity to learn about all of the fabulous roles in radio whether that be behind or in front of the microphone including being a marketing manager, digital content creator or presenter! Eleanor spoke to students from a variety of years and offered insights into Made in Kent and providing advice on kickstarting a career in the radio and media industry. We set up our dedicated stall, showcasing an array of exclusive merchandise that featured an assortment of items such as informative leaflets, branded mugs, and personalised member cards. If you would like to learn about radio and want the chance to use our professional equipment you can sign up to our radio school experience day! The day includes learning how to use the studio desk and playout system, write and present your own links, learn to voice-track and present live on the radio and you will finish the day by presenting live on the radio! Check out our Radio School website tab to look at our various packages!

On Wednesday the 22nd of November 2023, the Made in Kent team visited Herne Bay High School in Herne Bay for their careers fair! Marketing Manager Eleanor and Events Manager Rachel spoke to the pupils about the amazing careers in radio and media. At Made in Kent we love to connect with the local community and believe it is crucial to give students the opportunity to learn about all of the fabulous roles in radio whether that be behind or in front of the microphone including being a marketing manager, digital content creator or presenter! Our Made in Kent Radio team spoke to students from year 7 to 11 and provided them with details about Made in Kent, along with guidance on initiating a career in the radio and media sector. We had our own stall filled with our own merchandise including leaflets and mugs but also our professional radio equipment! Our setup featured a RodeCaster sound system, microphones for students to hear their own voices, and a monitor screen displaying the show's running order. Witnessing the students actively engage and express enthusiasm for radio was truly remarkable! If you would like to learn about radio and want the chance to use our professional equipment you can sign up to our radio school experience day! The day includes learning how to use the studio desk and playout system, write and present your own links, learn to voice-track and present live on the radio and you will finish the day by presenting live on the radio! Check out our Radio School website tab to look at our various packages!

On Wednesday the 22nd of November 2023, the Made in Kent team visited Reed's school in Surrey for their careers fair! Presenter Matt James, Presenter/Head of Music Nigel Mitchell and Marketing Manager Eleanor spoke to the pupils about the amazing careers in radio and media. At Made in Kent we love to connect with the local community and believe it is crucial to give students the opportunity to learn about all of the fabulous roles in radio whether that be behind or in front of the microphone including being a marketing manager, digital content creator or presenter! Our Made in Kent Radio team team spoke to students from year 9 to 13 and gave them all of the information about Made in Kent but also advice of how to get started in the radio and media industry. We had our own stall which was incredibly popular as we had our professional studio equipment including our RodeCaster sound system , microphones so students could hear themselves speak and a monitor screen where students could see the running order of the show. Students even got to record their own radio links! It was amazing to see the students get involved and being excited about radio! Despite being based in Kent we are expanding our franchise to offer guidance, advice and experience to as many students as possible across the UK. If you are interested in this opportunity please email Marketing Manager Eleanor Rose at eleanor@madeinkent.co.uk. If you would like to learn about radio and want the chance to use our professional equipment you can sign up to our radio school experience day! The day includes learning how to use the studio desk and playout system, write and present your own links, learn to voice-track and present live on the radio and you will finish the day by presenting live on the radio! Check out our Radio School website tab to look at our various packages!

On Tuesday the 31st of October 2023, the Made in Kent team visited Trinity Sevenoaks for their careers fair! Marketing Manager Eleanor and Digital Content Creator Georgina spoke to the pupils about the amazing careers in radio and media. At Made in Kent we love to connect with the local community and believe it is crucial to give students the opportunity to learn about all of the fabulous roles in radio whether that be behind or in front of the microphone including being a marketing manager, digital content creator or presenter! We set up our own stall filled with Made in Kent information including our amazing mugs and spoke to so many students about their future plans! It was insightful to learn about where they see their futures are going and we loved seeing their excitement when we spoke about radio and media! If you would like to learn about radio and want the chance to use our professional equipment you can sign up to our radio school experience day! The day includes learning how to use the studio desk and playout system, write and present your own links, learn to voice-track and present live on the radio and you will finish the day by presenting live on the radio! Check out our Radio School website tab to look at our various packages!

This Christmas day desert was a success on our radio feature, The Breakfast Bake-off , this week, as Digital Content Creator Georgina made..... Christmas Chocolate yule log! Presenter Matt James and Marketing manager Eleanor rated it a 8 -out-of-10 which is a brilliant score considering it wasn't in the shape of a log but instead a square. The recipe didn't allow enough mixture for the sponge to be rolled so instead Digital Content Creator Georgina had to make it into a square shape! This recipe is has a couple of different steps so make sure to follow it closely! Your ingredients: For the cake: 3 eggs 85g golden caster sugar 85g plain flour 2tbsp cocoa powder 1/2tsp baking power For the filling and icing: 50g butter, plus extra for the tin 140g dark chocolate, broken into squares 1tbsp golden syrup 284ml pot double cream 200g icing sugar, sifted Instructions: Heat your oven to 200C/180C fan/ gas 6. Butter and line a 23x32cm Swiss roll tin with baking paper. Beat the eggs and golden caster sugar together with an electric whisk for about 8 minutes until thick and creamy. Mix the flour, cocoa powder and baking power together, then sift on the egg mixture. Fold in very carefully, then pour into the tin. Lay a sheet of baking parchment on a work surface. When the cake is ready, tip it onto the parchment, peel off the lining paper, then roll the cake up from its longest edge with the paper inside. Leave too cool. To make the icing, melt the butter and dark chocolate together in a bowl over a pan of hot water. Take from the heat and stir in the golden syrup and 5 tbsp double cream. Beat in the icing sugar until smooth. Whisk the remaining double cream until it holds its shape. Unravel the cake, spread the cream over the top, scatter over the crushed extra strong mints, if using, then carefully roll up again into a log. Cut a thick diagonal slice from one end of the log. Lift the log on to a plate, then arrange the slice on the side with the diagonal cut against the cake to make a branch. Spread the icing over the log and branch (don’t cover the ends), then use a fork to mark the icing to give the effect of tree bark. You can listen back to any of our shows via the Listen Again function on our app - it's free to download! Enjoy your chocolate yule log! Don't forget to tag us in anything online - we want to see your Monday bake-off creations!

This perfect treat was a success on our radio feature, The Breakfast Bake-off , this week, as Marketing Manager Eleanor made..... Chocolate Coconut Snowballs Recipe! Presenter Matt James rated it a 9 -out-of-10 which is an excellent score. However Digital Content Creator Georgina doesn't like coconut so unfortunately rated it a 4-out-of-10! This recipe is super easy, other than rolling them into balls! Your ingredients: 255g of oats 240g of coconut 113g of unsalted butter 200g of sugar 1/2 cup of milk 32g of cocoa powder Instructions: Mix oats and half the amount of coconut together in a bowl. Heat and melt in a pan the butter, sugar, cocoa and milk. Once melted, pour over the oats and coconut. Mix all the ingredients together. Put in the fridge to cool and go sticky for 30-40 minutes. Take it out of the fridge and shape into balls. Roll the balls in the coconut. Finally leave to set for an hour! You can listen back to any of our shows via the Listen Again function on our app - it's free to download! Enjoy your chocolate coconut snowballs! Don't forget to tag us in anything online - we want to see your Monday bake-off creations!

We're thrilled to introduce our newest radio feature, the " Digital Digest " with Eleanor Marie Rose, our very own Marketing Manager here at Made in Kent Radio. Eleanor will be your digital guide, sharing the latest scoop on all things marketing, digital trends, upcoming events, hot topics in the world of social media, and a sneak peek into what we've been posting on our blog and social channels. Tune in and stay in the loop - listen to Made in Kent Radio online, on the app or on your smart speaker.

Made in Kent is excited to reveal its new sponsorship for the Breakfast Show, hosted by Matt James . Angela's Swim school is a lead provider of swimming lessons for individuals of all ages and abilities. Known for their effective teaching techniques, Angela's Swim School caters to both children and adults, creating a positive and supportive learning environment. Whether you're a beginner taking the plunge into the basics or an enthusiast looking to Watch the full interview with Matt James below:

Hi everyone! Georgina here and I am so excited to share this week's bake off recipe! This perfect treat was a success on our radio feature, The Breakfast Bake-off , this week, as our new member of the team Rachel made..... Fridge Cake! T he team rated it a 7-out-of-10 which on her first day Rachel was extremely happy with! Now I would want to share this recipe with you however... I can't! This is a top-secret family recipe and therefore Rachel could not share. However if you type 'Fridge cake recipe' into Google I'm sure you could find a couple of hints! You can listen back to any of our shows via the Listen Again function on our app - it's free to download! Don't forget to tag us in anything online - we want to see your Monday bake-off creations!

The Bexleyheath Christmas light switch-on event brought festive magic to Bexleyheath Town Centre, delighting all who attended. The day kicked off at 11am with a splendid array of entertainment, creating an electric atmosphere as families and friends gathered. The highlight of the day came at 4:30 pm when the town centre was bathed in a glorious glow as the Christmas lights were switched on , accompanied by the lighting of a magnificent Christmas tree . The best part? Entry was absolutely free. Our talented Matt James hosted the event and kept the crowd entertained on stage, ensuring a joyful and memorable celebration for all!

Saturday 18th November 2023. The Gravesend Christmas light switch-on was a spectacular event that illuminated the heart of Gravesend Town Centre! The day kicked off at 2pm with a flurry of entertainment leading up to the eagerly awaited light switch-on at 5 pm. Thousands of people watched GYG Choir sing with Leanne who plays Tracey Turnblad in Hairspray on the Westend. DJ Luck & MC Neat brought the crowd in Mayor of Gravesham turned on the lights with the cast of Snow White including Michelle Heaton from Liberty X The night with a big Christmas singalong! Families and groups of friends gathered to celebrate, and it was evident that everyone had an incredible time! Sophie Montague , our very own Made in Kent presenter did a fabulous job of hosting, ensuring that the crowd remained in high spirits throughout. The joyous memories of the weekend continue to linger, making it a perfect start to the holiday season in Gravesend...

The Made in Kent Awards is an exclusive platform dedicated to recognising and celebrating the exceptional contributions of businesses and individuals shaping Kent. Made in Kent Radio takes pride in championing local businesses that embody the essence of Kent's identity. Our Business Awards showcase those who have demonstrated exceptional growth, resilience, and commitment to enhancing the economic landscape of our beloved region. Launched in 2023, our Business Awards have set the standard for honouring excellence across a range of categories: Best Customer Service Award Innovative Business Award Sustainability Award Best Use of Social Media Award Homemade Business Award Startup Business Award Entrepreneur of the Year Award Best Business of the Year Award Get ready for an exciting expansion in Spring 2024, as we unveil the eagerly anticipated Food & Drink Awards . Building on the success of our Business Awards, this new chapter will spotlight the culinary experts, innovators, and contributors who make Kent a place for tasty delights! The categories are as follows: Best Local Produce Award Best Allergy-friendly Award Best Social Media Award Best Restaurant Award Best Eatery Award Best Pub / Bar Award Best Customer service Award Best Start-up Business Award Best Food Product Made in Kent Award Best Beverage Made in Kent Award Best Chef of the Year Award Best Young Person of the Year Award Join us on this journey of discovery, where we celebrate the businesses and individuals who proudly declare they are "Made in Kent."

Hi everyone! Georgina here and I am so excited to share this week's bake off recipe! This perfect treat was a success on our radio feature, The Breakfast Bake-off , this week, as I made..... Chocolate Chip Muffins! T he team rated it a 6-out-of-10 which I think is pretty fair but I do think I set the bar really high with my previous double chocolate cookies! I wanted to share this super quick and easy recipe with you this week - I hope you enjoy! You can listen back to any of our shows via the Listen Again function on our app - it's free to download! What you need: 300g self raising flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 50g cold unsalted butter cubed 80g caster sugar 150g milk or plain chocolate chips 2 eggs , lightly beaten 225ml milk 1 teaspoon vanilla extract SUPER quick and easy instructions... Preheat the oven to 200 c / 400 f / gas mark and line 12 muffin cases. Mix the flour and baking powder together in a large bowl. Rub in the butter until the mixture is like breadcrumbs. Stir in the sugar and the chocolate chips. In a separate bowl mix the eggs , milk and vanilla extract together , then pour the mixture all at once into the dry ingredients and mix briefly. Spoon the batter into the muffin cases and bake for 15-20 minutes or until risen , golden and firm to touch. Cool in the tin for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes of cooling in the tin , transfer to a cooling rack or serve straight away. Enjoy your muffins! Don't forget to tag us in anything online - we want to see your creations!

Looking for something to do this December ? We've chosen the very best events in Kent for you and the whole family! Get your coats on now the weather has turned chilly ... and head to our events guide here .

Fancy a tasty, chocolatey treat? On our radio feature, The Breakfast Bake-off , this week, HQ's Marketing Manager Eleanor Rose brought some brownies in. But not just any brownies... Gooey Terry's Chocolate Orange Brownies were the star of the show on Made in Kent Radio as the team dug in, rating it a respectful 8-out-of-10. Sharing the recipe with you this week - we hope you enjoy! You can listen back to any of our shows via the Listen Again function on our app - it's free to download! What you need: 2 eggs 1/2 cup of plain flour 1 cup of sugar A pinch of salt 227g of melted chocolate - Terry's Orange in this case! SUPER quick and easy instructions... Make sure your oven is pre-heated to 180°C. Mix everything together in a bowl. Pop in an oven dish and into the oven. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until a knife comes out clean. Leave to rest for about an hour for the mixture to solidify more, but retain the gooey texture. Enjoy your brownies! Don't forget to tag us in anything online - we want to see your creations!

A short while ago, we stirred up something delightful at Made in Kent Radio – the Breakfast Bake-off! Every Monday, our office transforms into a mini bakery, where staff take turns baking scrumptious treats. During the Breakfast Show, the team reveal the baked goods, and rate each other's creations. From fluffy pancakes to a sweet lemon cheesecake, we've had a yummy journey so far! Stay tuned as our baking adventures continue on air. Mondays just got a whole lot sweeter!