KENT HOTEL RESTAURANT OPERATOR BUCKS TREND WITH £500,000 EXPANSION AND CREATION OF 30 NEW JOBS

John Burton Race(left) and Richard Martin (right)

Michelin-starred John Burton Race appointed as Group Development Chef
New ventures in Ramsgate and Tonbridge added to portfolio

Kent Inns of Distinction, a privately owned Kent-based restaurant and hotel operator, has announced ambitious expansion plans with the acquisition of two derelict sites and half a million pounds investment in refits, with the creation of 30 new jobs.

Celebrity TV chef John Burton-Race, of the New Angel Michelin-starred restaurant in Dartmouth, has been appointed as head of group development, with detailed responsibilities including training and menu development. Harvey’s chefs will undergo intensive training at New Angel in Devon.

Harvey’s Fish Market & Oyster Bar on Ramsgate’s Royal Harbour, is due to open in June 2009. Having closed nearly two years ago, the former pub will reopen under its new guise following a complete £350,000 refit. Within 50 feet of the harbour wall, Harvey’s will be the first dedicated seafood restaurant on the country’s only “royal” harbour.

Harvey’s will become the latest addition to the Kent Inns of Distinction portfolio, owned and operated by the husband and wife team of Richard and Sherry Martin, from Sandwich in Kent.

The company was formed in 2004, when it acquired and redeveloped the award-winning Dog Inn at Wingham near Canterbury. In 2007 the couple purchased the Blazing Donkey in Ham, near Sandwich for £1.75 million and has since increased sales despite the current economic gloom.

The latest addition is the 15th century Ivy House, acquired in March 2009 opened in Tonbridge on 12th May following a £150,000 refit, having been closed for nearly a year. The smart pub/restaurant, the only one of its kind in the town centre, is managed by Richard’s and Sherry’s son, Daniel.

Commenting on his new ventures and ability to the buck the economic climate, which is seeing pub and hotel closures on a weekly basis, Richard Martin said, "Our business is all about food and despite the downturn and doom mongering in some corners of the press, our customers are still coming out to eat.

"Our new businesses are in fantastic locations and with John Burton Race’s involvement we will be able to introduce some really exciting new styles of food at all our restaurants", added Martin.