New Kosher hotel with an eco-twist

By Micaela Blitz
This month sees the launch of the first kosher eco-hotel in Europe. Sadeh Farm Hotel in Orpington, Kent is a not-for-profit boutique hotel surrounded by seven acres in the countryside. The 17^th century manor house will be open to guests from May 30^th 2021, in line with government guidance.

For many, the site that this new hotel is situated on will be very familiar. Originally purchased in the 1940’s by the Jewish Youth Fund for the Brady Boys’ Club, as a place for respite from the war-torn East End, it later became known as Skeet Hill House which was used by youth groups from across the community.

Since changing its name to ‘Sadeh’, which means “field” in Hebrew, it has undergone a major renovation and now boasts five beautiful new family suites, each with their own personality and each based on the seven fruits and grains native to Israel (the Shivat Ha’Minim).  The name reflects the values of promoting wellbeing of people and the planet by encouraging people to spend time in the countryside.

Naomi Verber, Director of Sadeh Farm Hotel, thinks that the hotel will offer the community a fun, completely different experience without having to travel too far.

“We’re situated just an hour away from the Jewish communities of North London, Essex and Hertfordshire and we’re just off the M25 for those coming from the rest of the UK, so it is really accessible for everyone.”

The hotel can accommodate up to 25 guests in total across suites and double suites. The booking covers all food which is prepared in the hotel’s kosher certified restaurant. Guests can enjoy freshly-prepared vegan, dairy, fish and gluten free meals using ethically sourced produce including organic fruit and vegetable that are grown on site. It also works with local farmers to source produce to ensure a low carbon supply chain.

There are a wide range of daily activities available which are also included in the booking, such as Farm & Forest foraging tours, tractor rides to honey-making workshops, and vegetable picking, catering for all ages and abilities. Other activities include outdoor cinema evenings, bonfire nights, magic shows, face painting and discos for children will also be offered as part of a seasonal programme. There are also experts on site that can guide guests through nature walks helping them learn more about the environment from a Jewish perspective.

For those wanting more physical activities, there are also tennis and basketball courts, zipwire and obstacle course, two playgrounds, a children’s playroom, and even an indoor pool. Older guests can enjoy the onsite microbrewery and the property also boasts a large library and lounge, grand dining room and complimentary Wi-Fi and parking.

The ethos of protecting the environment is at the heart of the hotel’s operations, from the food that they supply down to the toiletries they supply to guests. The hotel has been established as a social enterprise run by environmental charity, Sadeh, which aims to educate Jewish people about the environment. All proceeds from the hotel will go back into the charity for future projects.

The hotel will be open all year round and bookings are currently being taken from now through to summer 2022 although it is already fully booked up until June. Autumn and Winter adult-only breaks are also being offered as are special programmes for Shabbat and Jewish festivals. The hotel can also available for exclusive hire for simchas, private events and parties.

Naomi feels that the hotel is ‘the perfect place for couples and families to unwind, connect and regenerate.’

“With so many activities available, a swimming pool and seven acres of beautiful countryside to explore, you’ll never need to leave the site. We can’t wait to welcome guests to our inspirational, sustainable, kosher eco-hotel.”

To find out more, go to – https://sadehfarm.co.uk/holidays