The Bridge Arms, near Canterbury has been run by Dan and Natasha Smith, who also run the nearby Fordwich Arms - number 13 on the current Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastropubs list - for more than four years.
This weekend (Sunday 10 August) was the couple’s final service at the Bridge Arms as they hand the lease over to friend and former colleague Elliot Hewitt.
Hewitt, who has spent the past few years in Deal as general manager of the Rose, the Blue Pelican and the Zetland Arms, will relaunch the village pub alongside head chef David Gadd, who was also at the Rose and previously spent six years at the Sportsman in Seasalter.
Future direction
This Friday (15 August) will see the Bridge Arms’ relaunch with Hewitt and Gadd at the helm.
Dan and Natasha Smith will no longer be involved in the day-to-day running of the site but will still be part of the next chapter as part owner in the business alongside working closely with Hewitt on the transition.
Going forward, the pub will have a more casual direction, with a focus on fresh, seasonal dishes, utilising Kentish produce.
Dan Smith said: “It’s been a wonderful journey and we are deeply grateful to all our loyal customers, staff and supporters who have been part of it.”
Importance of versatility
He added: “We couldn’t be prouder of what we have achieved. Given the current economic climate however, it is important to be versatile and adjust to people’s wants and needs and the current market.
“Elliot has been a friend and colleague for many years and is a true professional.
“We just know he is going to excel at the Bridge Arms and create a truly special place that will no doubt be a huge success. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for this much-loved space.”
The duo also shared a statement on social media, highlighting this was not the end but a change of direction for the venue.
Dan and Natasha took the Bridge Arms on in May 2021 with the pub being awarded a Michelin star less than a year later.
