New duo heads up Marquis at Alkham

A new senior management team led by general manager David Harris and head chef Andrew ‘Drew' King has taken over the running of the 10-bedroom Marquis at Alkham, located between Dover and Folkestone.

Prior to joining the Marquis, Harris was food and beverage manager at Eastwell Manor Hotel, Golf and Spa in Ashford, and has held a variety of roles in the catering and hospitality sector throughout his near 18 year career.

Replacing Michael Fowler as head chef, King, who has gained culinary experience working in the Lucknam Park Hotel in Bath and the Reads in Faversham, describes his cooking style as "modern British cuisine".

As well as introducing new menus, such as the Kentish lunch menu, and revitalising the restaurant's website, the pair have experimented with a chef's table concept, which will link diners via a live video link with the kitchen. The experience includes "a designated team member looking after you all night, and an opportunity to have a chat and a drink with Drew after the meal," said Harris.

King is equally concerned with developing close relationships with suppliers, which he believes will ensure that customers receive the best and freshest ingredients: "I will get a text during the night from a local fish supplier advising me of the latest catch coming in on their boat and that will be served to customers the next day."

Harris said the restaurant with rooms concept encourages diners to enjoy great wine and good food without having to worry about getting home afterwards.

"Knowing that a good night's sleep is just a few steps away at the end of the meal is very appealing."

Since opening in 2008, the Marquis, which is owned by Tony Marsden and Hugh Oxborrow, has gained five AA gold star rating in the restaurants with rooms category and holds two AA rosettes.

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