Chef patron Dan was The Observer's Young Chef of the Year in 2016 and worked at Jason Atherton's restaurant before becoming a sous-chef at The Clove Club, where he stayed for five years, and which earned a Michelin star.
Natasha has worked at multiple Michelin-starred restaurants including Chapter One in Kent and One Leicester Street, where she headed up the pastry kitchen, as well as serving as the head of pastry for Rocket in London.
Image Credit: Andrew Lewis
Dan and Natasha opened The Fordwich Arms in 2017 when they were both just 26. It won a Michelin star in 2018 and won the AA Restaurant of the Year award. In 2022, it ranked in eighth position on the Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastropubs list.
Originally a coaching inn dating back to the 16th century, more recently converted into a village pub called the White Horse, the site was rebranded by Dan and Natasha as The Bridge Arms before opening in 2021.
At the time the pub, garden and bar area were fully refurbished, though it is still fitted with the original fireplaces. The Bridge Arms is 'much more family oriented' than its sister restaurant, the Fordwich Arms.
Image Credit: Andrew Lewis
FOOD
Bridge Arms' menu is inspired by the Spanish city of San Sebastián's Basque cuisine. The menu utilises the local seasonal produce to support suppliers, highlighting the best of British produce cooked over Kentish charcoal in a jasper oven.
The restaurant's proximity to the coast means it is regularly provisioned with fresh, local seafood, as well as being in a rural location where quality meat and poultry are in abundance.
Michelin Guide has described the dishes at The Bridge Arms as being "skilfully executed" and delivering "sophistication and refinement," adding "whatever you choose you’ll find the food immeasurably satisfying, comforting and nourishing."
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