The refurbished Abergavenny Arms in Frant near Tunbridge Wells has announced a programme of summer events, by its new septuagenarian landlord, Richard Burrell.
On Saturday 11th the popular ‘SweatHeart Swing’ vocal duo will provide vintage entertainment at the pub with swinging sounds from the 1940s to celebrate the Queen’s 90th birthday. The show begins at 3.00pm. The will be a barbecue available all day in the beer garden which seats 50 diners.
On Thursday 23rd June chef Giles Fulcher will serve a 5 course ‘Culinary Extraveganza’ of mostly local, seasonal produce, paired with fine wines carefully selected by Ellis of Richmond’s Mike Kard, who will be playing sommelier for the evening. The evening begins with a canapé of home cured salmon and asparagus with a glass of prosecco superiore; a starter of baby spring vegetables with soft boiled egg served with a South African Chardonnay; a fish course of Cornish crab and chilli croquette matched with an Australian Paulette Reisling; a main of rump of lamb paired with a Spanish Bodegas Ramon Bilboa, with a selection of British cheeses to finished served with Port.
The Abergavenny will provide the beer tent for Frant Parish fete on Saturday 9th July between 11.30am and 3.30pm, with Fullers Butcher supplying the barbecue.
August Bank holiday will see the return of ‘SweatHeart Swing’ to “The Ab” on Sunday 28th August.
At 70, The Abergavenny Arms’s new owner, Richard Burrell is thought to be Britain’s oldest entrant into the pub trade
“Seventy is the new 40 – I tried being retired, but I have too much energy, got bored and drove my wife mad,” said Richard, who puts in a shift at the pub each day.
He sold his chain of eponymous jewellery shops, which still bear his name, which had branches in Kent, Surrey and London – then decided he needed in a new challenge. He bought the historic fifteenth century former coaching house, and installed a new team led by manager Digby Harvey.
Richard wasted no time in embarking on a sensitive refurbishment of the pub, updating its style and atmosphere, whilst preserving its the historical integrity.
The new head chef Giles Fulcher brings classic dishes in an unusual way to deliver something that is “familiar yet unique” whilst retaining traditional classic pub favourites befitting such an historic hostelry.
His signature dish is a wild mushroom garden, a celeriac purée, braised cep mushrooms and soil made from wild mushrooms, pistachio and truffle oil. This dish – which creates a natural look on the plate – is inspired by country walks in the stunning countryside around Frant, which is heavily wooded and offers the sweeping vistas of High Weald.
In addition to the full a la carte menu, which is served all day, there are now mid week specials. Tuesday is Burger Night with gourmet burgers served with a choice of six topping, chips and a pint of beer or glass of wine for only £10. Wednesday is Moules Night – with a choice of Provencal, A La Crème, Cider & Bacon or Thai for £14.95. On Thursdays a Seafood Paella is served at £14.95.
Although most of what Giles uses in the kitchen is sourced locally from independent producers, only the best ingredients make it to the plate. He has no hesitation bring in fresh Cornish crab, Colchester oysters or Orkney mussels.
The bar offers no fewer than six hand pulled ales from Kent and Sussex brewers, such as Harvey’s Best, Tonbridge Coppernob, Long Man’s American Pale Ale and Best Bitter, Larkin’s Traditional and Dark Star’s Hophead. Also stocked is Curious Brew from Chapel Down Brewery.
The growing number of younger gin drinkers is also reflected, with a wide selection which includes 1606, Bulldog, Boodles, Bloom, Whitley Neill, Hendricks, Tanqueray and Bombay Sapphire.