Michelin-starred Bridge Arms to relaunch under new owner

The owners of the Michelin-starred Bridge Arms in Kent are to close the gastropub and hand it over to a new team this month.

 

Dan and Natasha Smith took over the pub in the village of Bridge in 2021 and it won a Michelin star just 10 months later.

 

The pair, who also own the Michelin-starred Fordwich Arms in Kent, ran their final service at the Bridge Arms on 10 August.

 

They have handed over the lease to friend Elliot Hewitt, who will reopen the pub on 15 August with a new, more casual menu.

 

Hewitt has spent the last few years as general manager of Kent pubs the Rose and the Blue Pelican in Deal and the Zetland Arms in Kingsdown. He will relaunch the Bridge alongside head chef David Gadd, who was also at the Rose and spent six years at the Michelin-starred Sportsman at Seasalter.

 

Dan 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. 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.”

 

Although the Smiths will no longer be involved in the day-to-day running of the pub, they will remain as part-owners of the business and will work closely with Hewitt on the transition.

 

Hewitt said he “couldn’t be happier” to be taking on the pub and was looking forward to welcoming customers back soon.