Richard Phillips

The Pearson's Arms in Whitstable closes for facelift

9th November 2010, 12:11pm

The Pearson's Arms in Whitstable has closed for a facelift and plans to reopen on 1 December. We catch up with the designers to find out how they are getting on and how they have used the new interior to celebrate Kent's history and heritage.

The pub is closed for six weeks for the refit which will include the installation of new kitchens and equipment. The venture officially closed on 21 October and will reopen on Wednesday 1st December.

We take a closer look at the works progressing:

History of the venture and Richard Phillips:

The pub is an 18th century building and has been established in Whitstable for years. It is perfectly located facing the sea and the town, making it very much a community pub. For years Richard has wanted to take ownership of a pub but finding the right location and mix was important. Richard already has three very successful restaurants in Kent and is executing chef at a forth in Chester with Oddfellows. Richard's first restaurant was Thackeray's in Tunbridge Wells, a venture which saw the restaurant obtaining a Michelin star in his first year of ownership.

Richard quickly found the Hengist in Aylesford, another historic building dating back to the 1560's in one of the oldest towns in England. Both the Hengist and Thackeray's offer a fine dining experience though each is unique in its approach and menus. In 2008 Richard acquired his third restaurant, Richard Phillips at Chapel Down. This restaurant has a distinctly English flavour and is set in the beautiful setting of a vineyard which is host to the famous Chapel Down wines.

What was your aim when designing this venture?

We have a lot of history and heritage to celebrate in Kent. Kent is the home of the hop, so the links with beer are inescapable and our produce and farming here is some of the finest in Europe. So in this pub we wanted to celebrate that fusion of great food, service and location with what is best in Kent. We see the pub as the centre point of the community and want to bring about a revival of the pub as being the heart of it.

How did you achieve this?

The pub is a building filled with history and we have to be respectful and mindful of that history and what it means to the people of Whitstable and Kent. The building is filled with charm and we have to create an atmosphere which respects the influences of the sea and the land.

What would you describe as the key and unique features?

The location without a doubt is one of the key features, but without the people it would be an empty building.

Does your team have a particular style?

All of our restaurants are known for their friendly, attentive and warm service and the Pearson's Arms will be no different in that respect. Running parallel with this will be celebrating the best of what Kent has to offer in terms of great produce and beer.

Stage by stage, how did you approach this project?

The speed of this project has been remarkable but we are in an excellent position having opened four other restaurants and work with a fantastic team of interior designers, Lister Carter, whom we have worked with on all my other venues.

Where did you get your inspiration from?

It's impossible not to be inspired by the landscape and the town of Whitstable.

What is the size of the venue?

The building is around 1500sq ft and upstairs in the restaurant we can cater for 70 covers. Downstairs on ground level is the bar/lounge area.

If you were to change or improve anything about the design, what would it be and why?

We are giving the pub a facelift, modernizing where it is needed but retaining the charm of the building. We want our regulars to return and feel welcome and enjoy the whole experience, whether they are just popping in for a pint or staying for lunch or dinner.

Who are the key team members of the design company?

Richard is working in collaboration with Lister Carter in terms of realizing his vision for the interior design.

What are your plans for the future?

We do have other plans but can only say 'watch this space…'

What do you like most about the design of the venue?

The 18th century building dictates the structure and layout of the venue and how we operate within it. But the views to the sea and our position in the heart of Whitstable influence so much of what is inside it and that makes it a fantastic place to eat and drink.

What made you use the tones and shades you went for?

The atmosphere and ambience are dictated by what Kent has to offer. We have an abundance of great food and drink which is made here in Kent. But how could you not be influenced by the rich diversity of colour of the landscapes here. The light and colour constantly change; we have such a rich palette to choose from.

Final comment on the venue?

We want this pub to live up to our hopes and our customers expectations. Everything is here to make the Pearson's Arms one of the finest pubs in Kent, if not the UK.

"I am very excited to take on a pub and 'The Pearson's Arms by Richard Phillips' will be a totally different experience, but will retain the quality, passion, and attentive service for which my restaurants are known. We will be as passionate about our ales and drinks as we are our food offering.

"I want this to be a real pub atmosphere, somewhere that is the hub of a great community. A pub is a community centre as much as a place to take friends and loved ones for fun and relaxation and we want to instil a real community spirit. Our ethos naturally supports local businesses and where possible we always try to use Kent produce and will apply the same thinking to our ales and drinks."

He continued: "Tradition is important as is heart, and we will ensure both are kept. Upstairs we will seat 60 for lunch and dinner, serving fantastic but uncomplicated menus. We want a lively and fun atmosphere where people can feel as comfortable coming in for a drink as those looking to dine. Overall, it's a pub with great food."