Michelin-starred pub ‘not closing’

‘The lease will renew to us... but we are looking into an investment to buy the building...’ “Excellent quality ingredients, like plump Scottish langoustines, underpin it all.”

An award-winning chef has assured his Michelin-starred pub will remain open after the building hit the market for more than £1 million. Dan Smith, who heads the Fordwich Arms near Canterbury, says the sale of the property’s freehold will not impact the popular business. In fact, he says he and his wife Natasha – who have a lease on the building until 2038 – are hoping to buy it themselves. "We are ourselves looking at putting an offer in,” he told this paper. "[The lease] will renew to us as we have first right of refusal, but we are looking into an investment to buy the building. "The sale is part of a wider secured a Michelin star within range of pub sales by the current 10 months aged just 26. owners." The duo also run the Michelin-starred The Fordwich Arms is listed Bridge Arms in as a freehold public house nearby Bridge. investment. The ground floor of The Fordwich It is currently let at £68,000 a Arms offers an open-plan year, with the Smiths’ lease set trading area with a central bar to run until March 2038. servery in the front room while The husband-and-wife restaurateurs the dining room to the rear has took on the 19thcentury seating for about 50 customers. building in Fordwich sevenbh Opyeenadray s - Kmaagdovert.padnf d5 11/0E4/2x0t2e4rn16a:2l3l:3y4, a customer patio

and lawn to the rear of the building overlooks the river with seating for 69 customers and parking to the front for 12 vehicles.

The historic pub in Britain’s smallest town had previously been run by town stalwarts Sue and Shaun Donnelly who retired after 24 years in November 2017.

The Smiths had their work cut out winning over locals

after renovating the traditional hostelry.

Some disgruntled regulars were unimpressed with price increases and the removal of sandwiches from the bar menu – with one branding it “homely to hipster”.

But in a glowing review, Michelin bosses say: “England’s smallest town is a pretty little place and this elegant Arts and Crafts style building

fits it perfectly.

“It sits in a delightful spot beside the river and its wisteria-covered terrace affords wonderful views.

“An impressive wood-topped bar and open fires welcome you in and the wood-panelled dining room bursts with charm. “The cooking is modern, creative and sometimes playful but this is never at the expense of flavour.

Daniel and Natasha Smith are tenants until 2038 but are looking into buying the building themselves

The Fordwich Arms has also been named GQ pub of the year previously