Kent

Coverage explores hospitality and foodservice activity across this key South East region, including restaurant and pub openings, local supply partnerships, tourism-driven trade, and independent operator growth. Reporting provides insights for businesses navigating seasonal demand, commuter town dynamics, and rural-urban market opportunities in one of the UK’s most diverse regional economies.

Jan- 2019 -

22 January

Awards & Events

The Dining Room and Pétrus among latest Rosette Award winners

The AA has announced its latest Rosette Award winners, recognising restaurants with the highest culinary offerings in the UK. Three restaurants have been awarded four AA Rosettes, while a further 16 have been awarded three AA Rosettes. Restaurants honoured with four AA Rosettes are Old Downton Lodge (Ludlow, Shropshire), Roganic…
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Nov- 2018 -

12 November

Restaurants

Deal Pier Kitchen to launch with soft opening

The creators of Deal Pier Kitchen, Tim Biggs, 29, and Rebecca Hodson, 27, have announced that their all-day dining concept will open in December this year. The Deal Pier Kitchen is housed within the RIBA award-winning structure at the end of Deal Pier in Kent, which is owned by Dover…
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Oct- 2018 -

2 October

Restaurants

Rosa’s Thai Cafe opens Bluewater restaurant

Rosa’s Thai Cafe has opened a new site in the Bluewater Plaza in Kent, becoming the first Thai restaurant to open in the shopping centre. The new restaurant will host up to 90 customers across 2,500 sq ft in the upper plaza next to the Showcase Cinema du Lux expansion.…
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Sep- 2018 -

18 September

Restaurants

Deal Pier site set to reopen under new ownership

The cafe at the end of Deal Pier in Kent is set to reopen as Deal Pier Kitchen after it completes an extensive refurbishment programme. The cafe will be occupied by Deal Pier Kitchen Limited, which was founded by Tim Biggs and Rebecca Hodson. Once completed, the restaurant will offer…
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Aug- 2018 -

28 August

Pubs and Bars

Liquor Box and Pantry acquire second site as part of 10 pub plan

The father and son duo behind Liquor Box and Pantry, Simon and Dan Barton, have acquired their second pub as part of a plan to run 10 pubs in the Kent area. The White Horse pub in Sundridge will become the group’s first Star Pubs & Bars site, the pub…
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16 August

Pubs and Bars

Pub introduces £1 charge for phone noises

A Kent landlord has introduced a £1 fine for mobile phone users every time their phone emits a sound as part of its ‘digital detox’. Mark Robson, landlord of The Just Reproach, has said he introduced the fine to get his customers talking again. Proceeds from the fine are to…
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Jul- 2018 -

24 July

Restaurants

Royal Harbour Hotel manager launches Little Ships Restaurant and Cafe

Hotelier James Thomas and chef Craig Mather have opened the Little Ships Restaurant and Cafe in Ramsgate, Kent. The new site is an eight-minute walk from the Royal Harbour Hotel, overlooks the marina and seats 80 people including its outside tables. It occupies the former Miles Bar site, which closed…
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4 July

Regulations & Policies

Franco Manca apologises after turning away blind man with guide dog

A Franco Manca in London has apologised following an incident where a blind man and his guide dog were told they would have to stay outside. Dave Kent, 58, who has been blind for 40 years was refused entry to the Tottenham Court Road branch of Franco Manca in London…
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Jun- 2018 -

12 June

Awards & Events

Soho restaurant Kiln named best in the UK

Casual Thai restaurant Kiln in London’s Soho has won first place at this year’s Estrella Damm’s National Restaurant Awards. The restaurant’s achievement was announced by Restaurant magazine at a ceremony at the Hurlingham Club in London on Monday 11 June. The outlet, owned by chef Ben Chapman, climbed up eight…
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7 June

Business

TriSpan acquires majority stake in Rosa’s Thai Cafe

TriSpan, a global private equity firm, has announced that Rising Stars, its restaurant platform, has acquired a majority investment in Rosa’s Thai Cafe. Rosa’s managing director Gavin Adair will lead the group in its next phase of growth. He will be supported by Robin Rowland, former YO! CEO and TriSpan…
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