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From the
https://www.kentlive.news By Lauren MacDougall, 1 May 2018.
Inside the Market House pub in Maidstone after its stunning £900k
transformation by Shepherd Neame.
It has been closed since January while it was comprehensively
re-modelled inside and out and reopened to eager punters to on Friday
(May 27).
Inside, the pub’s ground floor bar area has been opened up to create
more space for customers, the stairs have been moved and a former
storage area has been converted into a kitchen.
The new roof terrace at the Market House.
Also on the first floor, a new function room has been created that can
accommodate up to 30 people. It boasts its own bar and separate entrance
to the pub’s new roof terrace.
In addition to the structural improvements, the pub has undergone a full
internal and external redecoration, incorporating stylish new furniture
and décor combining contemporary influences while also drawing upon the
pub’s history.
A delicious new food menu has been introduced, with ingredients sourced
locally wherever possible, including fruit and vegetables from
Maidstone’s RJ Kingsland & Son, seafood from Chapman’s of Sevenoaks, and
meat from Joseph & Henry in Ramsgate.
All dishes are cooked from scratch, with an emphasis on fresh, healthy
choices including Spinach Tortilla Wraps and Superfood Salads, along
with more traditional favourites such as the Smithfield Burger and open
sandwiches.
Customers can also choose from a selection of Small Plates, perfect for
a light snack or to share over lunch. For early risers, breakfast is now
available every weekend from 9am to noon, offering on-trend dishes such
as Avocado Toast and Baked Spicy Beans and Eggs, along with a range of
delicious smoothies.
The drinks offer has also been refreshed, with an extensive range of
beer and cider on draught and in bottle, along with a choice selection
of premium wines and spirits, and cocktails. A new coffee station has
also been installed serving freshly ground Fairtrade organic Grumpy Mule
coffee, available to take away, along with a full hot drinks menu and
selection of cakes.
As "Earls," the pub was renowned for great live music, and performances
will continue at the Market House from 9.30pm every Friday and Saturday,
and late afternoon every other Sunday.
Lou Davies has been appointed as the pub’s new General Manager, and has
overseen the recruitment of 17 new full and part-time staff.
Lou, who has worked in the hospitality industry for more than 20 years,
said: “We have been overwhelmed with the fantastic feedback we have
received since opening the doors to the new Market House.
“The pub looks absolutely fantastic, and we have a great team in place,
working hard to ensure that the Market House fulfils its incredible
potential.”
Director of retail and tenanted operations Nigel Bunting said: “We are
delighted with the results of this major investment. Our objective was
to retain the pub’s historic character and atmosphere while creating an
exciting environment in which to drink and dine.
“We are confident that with its expanded facilities and stylish new
look, the Market House will prove a popular destination in Kent’s County
Town.”
The Market House is open from 11am, Monday to Sunday, with food served
from 12 noon to 8pm every day.
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) Earl Street
