Hotel Rescues Wedding Plans

“Popular country hotel rescues wedding plans following collapse of Dovers’ Churchill hotel”

Richard and Sherry Martin, veteran wedding hosts and owners of the award-winning Blazing Donkey Country Hotel near Sandwich have stepped in to save the wedding plans for dozens of couples who originally booked Dover’s famous seafront hotel, The “Churchill”.

“The news recently that the Churchill hotel had closed came as a bombshell to many couples who were planning to have their weddings there this year” said Richard Martin.

“As one of East Kent’s most popular wedding venues our phones began to ring with distressed bride’s on the other end of the line so we decided to try and help” he added.

The Martin’s are offering a guarantee that any couple caught up in this sad situation can re-book their wedding at The Blazing Donkey on no less favourable terms. What’s more, with a few minor conditions, they’ll also deduct any booking deposits (already paid to the Churchill hotel by couples), from the final account.

The Martins’ live in Sandwich and own “Kent Inns of Distinction”, whose properties also include The Dog Inn at Wingham, Harveys Fish Market in Ramsgate’s royal harbour and The Ivyhouse Dining Room and Bar in Tonbridge.

For further information on Richard and Sherry’s wedding rescue initiative contact Richard or Sherry directly on 01304 617362 or visit www.kentinns.com.

You can now follow the Kent Inns Group on Twitter: Kent_Inns

VIP Golf Breaks. GO ‘Royal’ in Kent...

“Kent Inns of Distinction” is proud to present these amazing short golf breaks.

Golfers can choose to stay and dine at a choice of the multi-award winning Blazing Donkey Country Hotel at Sandwich or The Dog Inn at Wingham.

Dinner can be taken at either of the hotels restaurants or at Harveys Fish Market & Oyster Bar, ‘Kent Inns’ wonderful new seafood restaurant in Ramsgate’s Royal Harbour.

The package includes 2 nights stay with dinner and 3 days of Golf (18 holes).

Only £259 from November 2009 to March 2010

Only £399 from April 2010 to October 2010

To book call 01304 617362 or send us an email.

You can follow us on Twitter too: Kent_Inns

Restaurants Against Hunger

Kent Inn’s of Distinction to donate £5 for each customers who orders local scallops

Kent Inns of Distinction’s four restaurants are to donate £5 to the ‘Action Against Hunger’ charity each time a customer orders the Hand-Dived Rye Bay Scallops Served with a Cauliflower Cream and Wild Mushrooms from its menu in October. The £15 dish has been created by the Michelin-starred TV chef John Burton-Race, Kent Inns of Distinction’s [KIoD] head of group development.

Harvey’s Fish Market & Oyster Bar in Ramsgate, Ivy House in Tonbridge, Dog Inn at Wingham and Samphire Restaurant at the Blazing Donkey near Sandwich, will all be serving the new season scallops during Restaurants Against Hunger’s month-long campaign, centred around World Food Day on 16th October.

Restaurants Against Hunger (RAH), founded in 1998, is an international movement of restaurant owners, chefs and food writers supporting Action Against Hunger and its goal to end child hunger. Funds are raised in the global fight against hunger and malnutrition by inviting food lovers across the UK to make a difference simply by eating out. Last year 500 restaurants were involved in RAH’s ‘Fight Hunger / Eat Out’ campaign, raising more than £400,000.
“All of us who work in the fine food end of the catering business suffer from pangs of guilt when we are reminded of those who go hungry,” said Richard Martin, owner of KioD, adding, “This is a practical way where we, our suppliers and customers can help make a small contribution to those less well off.”

More information at: www.actionagainsthunger.org.uk

The Dog Inn at Wingham, in the picturesque village near Canterbury is an imposing Grade II * listed 13th Century Inn built in the reign of King John I, and originally forming part of a monastery. The restaurant’s listing in Egon Ronay’s guide as among the UK’s best, saw the realisation of a life-long ambition for food lovers, Richard and Sherry Martin, who invested heavily in the now thriving inn. www.thedoginn.co.uk

With commanding unspoilt views across rolling countryside, The Blazing Donkey nestles between the ancient Cinque Port towns of Sandwich and Deal.

Originally built in 1763 as a farmhouse, guest accommodation is recognised as the best in the locality. The pretty courtyard setting within the grounds provides individual accommodation in attractive converted stables. The hotel’s “Samphire” restaurant has drawn critical acclaim since being opened in February 2008 by TV chef, author and bon viver, Aldo Zilli. A true fine food experience is inspired by the abundance of high quality produce - game from local shoots, locally reared meats and fish from the nearby harbours. www.blazingdonkey.co.uk

The 15th century Ivy House, acquired in March 2009 re opened in Tonbridge in May following a £150,000 refit, having been closed for nearly a year. The smart pub/restaurant, the only one of its kind in the town centre www.ivyhouseoftonbridge.com

About John Burton Race - a top chef and highly successful restaurateur with a larger-than-life personality. He trained at Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons and became head chef of Le Petit Blanc. He opened his own restaurant L’Ortolan in 1986 and then moved to John Burton Race at the Landmark Hotel in 2000 and was awarded two Michelin stars at both restaurants. John became a television star, through ‘French Leave’, and then ‘Return of the Chef’. Settling in Dartmouth, John opened The New Angel which was awarded a Michelin star and the AA Restaurant of the Year award in its first year. He has also co-starred in BBC2’s ‘Kitchen Criminals’; co-authored the accompanying book ‘First Crack Your Egg’, appeared on ITV1’s ‘I’m A Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here’ and BBC 2’s 'Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is’. He will be featuring in 40 episodes of ITV1’s ‘Britain’s Best Dish 2009’ from 7th September.

Group website: www.kentinns.com

Harvey’s Fish Market & Oyster Bar
Royal Victoria Pavilion, Harbour Parade, Ramsgate, Kent CT11 8LS T: 01843 599707
www.harveysoframsgate.com

Press Contact: For further information or to arrange a review please call George Shaw. T: 01892 750851 M: 07860 695555 E: geo@avocadomedia.co.uk

John Burton-Race

In May 2009, following the company’s expansion, John Burton-Race, author and Michelin-starred chef joined the company in a development role.

Following his time at Le Manoir aux quat’ saisons, he became head chef at Le Petit Blanc and then in 1986 opened his own restaurant L’Ortolan.

He later moved to John Burton Race at The Landmark Hotel where he was awarded two Michelin stars. In between regular training visits to each of the Kent Inns’ sites, John is based at The New Angel restaurant in Dartmouth today where his passion for amazing food is ever present.

“John’s passion for truly delicious food is why we recruited him” explained Sherry Martin. “His enthusiasm and hands-on approach makes him a valuable member of our team and makes it possible for us to continue improving the food offered at each of our restaurants”.