The menu will include modern gastropub food alongside authentic Indian dishes
Renowned chef Dev Biswal has been announced that he will take over the Phoenix Tavern in Faversham.
Biswal, the owner-chef of The Cook's Tale (formerly The Ambrette) restaurant and Marrakesh Café in Canterbury, has acquired the historic Phoenix Tavern in Faversham, in time for Christmas.
The pub closed the two AA-rosetted kitchen six months ago, but has remained open for drinks, with reduced hours.
Biswal will open for drinks on 20th November and operate a full kitchen service from 1st December. The pub will also let a family room for overnight guests from the New Year.
Occupying a stunning medieval hall house that dates back to around 1330, the tavern is highly regarded for its beautiful period features, original oak beams, and a roaring inglenook fireplace. It also boasts a spacious, enclosed walled garden decorated with wooden furniture, and colourful potted flowers.
The dog-friendly pub is known locally for hosting regular live music, community art classes, and local book clubs.
Chef Biswal’s innovative approach to contemporary Indian cuisine has earned recognition from national and international awards organisations, including Michelin. At his new venture, he will serve a modern gastropub interpretation of traditional English pub food alongside authentic Indian dishes, show-casing Kent’s wealth of local produce.
The project will create 12 new entry-level jobs for trainees in the hospitality sector.
Biswal’s business partner, Frank Ward, who will be the pub’s new landlord, said, “For ambitious, hard-working youngsters who are keen to learn, the opportunities and rewards are tremendous,” he said, adding; “International travel, working on private yachts, cooking in top ski resorts are all very real possibilities.
The Phoenix Tavern, 98 - 99 Abbey Street, Faversham, Kent ME13 7BH
