A talented and experienced team has taken over the reins at The Marquis, a 5-star fine-dining ‘restaurant with rooms’ in Kent ’s picturesque Alkham Valley . It’s led by general manager David Harris and head chef Andrew ‘Drew’ King.
They have wasted no time in making their mark since the turn of the year, with the introduction of new menus, innovations in customer service, a dynamic approach to promotions and marketing, and a new website to showcase the award-winning property to its national and international audience.
Team leader David Harris has held a variety of roles in the hotel, catering and hospitality sector for nearly 18 years. Before joining The Marquis he was food and beverage manager at Eastwell Manor Hotel, Golf and Spa in Ashford and has also worked in hotels, restaurants and golf clubs in Chester , Norfolk and across his native Kent .
Ashford-born Drew has a wealth of experience gained from working in some of the top kitchens in the UK. These include the Michelin-starred Lucknam Park Hotel in Bath, the Michelin-starred Reads in Faversham, a stylish British gastro-pub in fashionable Chelsea plus several four-star Kent hotels famed for their fine cuisine.
Innovative approach
David, a self-confessed fitness fan who competes in triathlons, wants The Marquis to set a scorching pace when it comes to promoting itself to customers both old and new. “We are adopting an innovative approach to engaging with customers via email promotions and web-based initiatives to drive business. Our new website has also helped to focus attention on our core strengths,” says David.
“We will also be introducing an exciting new concept called Chef’s Table, which will be a highly personalised dining experience for small groups of diners featuring a live video link with the kitchen, a designated team member looking after you all night, and an opportunity to have a chat and a drink with Drew after the meal.”
Together they are looking to build on The Marquis’ reputation for quality which has already earned a number of accolades, including Restaurant of the Year in the 2012 Taste of Kent Awards and a Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence in 2013 and 2014. It holds 2 AA rosettes and is also featured in The Good Hotel Guide.
‘With rooms’
Since it opened in 2008, The Marquis has been at the forefront of the ‘restaurant with rooms’ concept in Kent. David said: “The ‘restaurant with rooms’ idea is one which lovers of fine food and wine continue to embrace warmly. Great food needs great wine and diners come here from far and wide to be able to enjoy both 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 their meal is very appealing.”
As well as earning plaudits for its food, The Marquis has attracted praise for its luxurious accommodation – 10 beautiful, individually designed bedrooms together with two vineyard cottages – gaining an AA 5 Gold Star rating in the ‘Restaurant with Rooms’ category.
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