Former Bunga Bunga chief swaps London for Maidstone pub with rooftop terrace
After almost 15 years at the heart of central London’s hospitality high life, Philippe Laché has swapped it all for a Kentish pub
After almost 15 years at the heart of central London’s hospitality high life, Philippe Laché has swapped it all for a Kentish pub.
Philippe took over the running of Shepherd Neame’s Market House in Earl Street, Maidstone, after moving to Kent from London following the end of last year’s Covid lockdown.
French-born Philippe began work in the capital after moving to the UK in 2007, working his way up within the hospitality industry, from pot washer to award-winning General Manager.
He joined Faversham-based brewer and pub company Shepherd Neame from the Inception Group, where he had launched two Bunga Bunga branches before moving to their Mr Fogg’s brand at Mr Fogg’s Tavern and Gin Parlour in 2018; picking up the award for General Manager of the Year in 2018, and being responsible for a turnover of £4.2m at Mr Fogg’s Residence in Mayfair.
But despite this success, he still had aspirations to run a traditional English pub. Philippe, 36, said: “I have lots of experience within the hospitality industry, but what I hadn’t tried was running a pub. I wanted to experience what it was like to run a traditional English pub.
“The experience of the Covid lockdown made me realise you can manage a business, but for me there is nothing better than having someone there at the bar for you, seeing a smile and feeling there is someone there for you – hospitality is all about meeting people,” he said. “And what better place to do that than the Market House?”
The historic pub, which recently underwent a major refurbishment, is located in the heart of the County Town opposite the Hazlitt Theatre and next to Fremlin Walk shopping precinct. Its roof top terrace and al-fresco seating area are perfect for relaxing and watching the world go by.
“The Market House looks beautiful,” said Philippe. “It is a proper pub. It has good food and good drink. With the live music, I do still have the rush and the excitement. So here is the perfect balance - and five minutes out of Maidstone and I am in the countryside. I have the buzz and the team is great.”
The venue hosts live music on Friday and Saturday nights from 9.30pm and acoustic sets from 5.30pm on Sundays. It will also be one of the venues hosting bands for the upcoming Maidstone Fringe Festival, which runs from Thursday, April 28 to Bank Holiday Monday, May 2.
Find the Market House at 30 Earl Street, Maidstone - www.markethouse.pub
