Kentish Express Ashford & District
New patisserie coming to high street next month
Town is on the up, say business partners
People in Tenterden are set for a sweet treat when a new patisserie opens in the high street.
A chef is joining forces with a renowned pastry master to bring Parisian-style pastries, breads and other goods to the town.
Artisserie will be opening at No. 53 in the High Street under the care of chef Graham Garrett and Chris Underwood, who is currently working as executive pastry chef at the Belmond Cadogan hotel in Chelsea.
The two became friends when Mr Underwood visited Mr Garrett’s Biddenden restaurant The West House.
Mr Garrett said: “We met in the West House a few years ago, he was down visiting family in St Michaels.
“We sort of stayed n touch, he wanted to branch out and do his own thing which interested me, as obviously he has a great reputation as a pastry chef, real pedigree.
“He was looking for parters or backers in business and it made sense to do it together, especially after spending lockdown wondering about the future of restaurants!”
The pair are hoping to open the shop in December, to bring their twist on French pastry to residents in time for the festive sesason.
“I hesitate to say it is French, because it isn’t really, but if you think of Parisian boutique patisserie, you think handmade cakes, tarts, macaroons and so on – that is what we will be bringing,” explained Mr Garrett.
“I’m always getting asked for my bread at the west house, so we’ll do that there as well, maybe adding in hand rolled croissants.
“We will change things seasonally and develop things as we go.”
The shop will be the latest addition to the High Street, which is also set to welcome Blossoms Home into the former Oasis shop.
Mr Garrett said that he and Mr Underwood had always planned to work locally.
“Being in Biddenden myself, it doesn’t make sense for me to be involved in anything too far away and Chris wanted to
move to the area,” Mr Garrett explained.
“We were looking as far as Ashford maybe, but the space that we have chosen is perfect. It’s a great site with a beautiful big front window space and the millenium gardens behind.
“I think Tenterden is a great town, and it’s on the up really. We want to be part of that!”