Fordwich Arms duo to leave The Bridge Arms

After more than four years of running The Bridge Arms in Kent, Dan and Natasha Smith are to close the pub in its current form.

However, the husband and wife team, who will continue to operate their Michelin-starred pub The Fordwich Arms, will not be adding to pub closure figures, as The Bridge Arms lease is being handed over to a friend and former colleague Elliot Hewitt.

Hewitt has spent the past few years in Deal as general manager of The Rose, The Blue Pelican and The Zetland Arms. He will relaunch The Bridge Arms alongside head chef David Gadd, who was also at The Rose and, before that, spent six years at The Sportsman.

The Smiths will still be part owners in the business and will work closely with Hewitt on the transition. 

"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," says Dan. "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."

All change, please

The Bridge Arms had its final service under the Smiths on Sunday 10 August and will reopen on Friday 15 August with Hewitt and Gadd in charge. 

"Having previously been restaurant manager at The Fordwich Arms, I couldn’t be happier to be now taking on The Bridge Arms," adds Hewitt. "It’s a beautiful pub with cosy fireplaces for the winter and a huge garden and outdoor bar for summer. It’s a vital part of the village and local community, and whether you’re dropping in for a drink or planning something special, my family and I can’t wait to welcome everyone soon."

An old 16th century coaching inn set in the small village of Bridge near Canterbury, The Bridge Arms was taken over by the Smiths in May 2021 and was awarded a Michelin star 10 months later.

Hewitt and Gadd will now take the pub in a more casual direction, with a focus on fresh, seasonal dishes that reflect the produce available in Kent. Highlights from the opening menu include wild mushroom sausage roll; monkfish scampi with curry sauce; celeriac gnocchi, watercress and summer truffle; butter poached skate wing, brown shrimp, fresh corn; and sandy & black pork chop, summer cabbage.

You may also be interested in…