Jane and Joe Mullane at the Four Fathoms, Herne Bay
Shepherd Neame’s The Four Fathoms, in Herne Bay, has been named pub of the year at the Kent Life Food and Drink Awards.
Licensee Joe Mullane and his wife, Jane, took over the pub in February, and have already made a big impact, introducing a quirky new look and a bold new menu and drinks offer.
Joe works as head chef while Jane looks after front of house, and they describe their menu as ‘pub food re-invented’, offering delicious dishes with a twist.
Joe said: “Food is my passion, which is why I gave up my job in the City to train as a chef at the age of 40. I love experimenting with flavours and coming up with new ideas, and I want to share that excitement with customers.
“All dishes, even a bowl of chips, are served with a complimentary amuse bouche. We cook everything fresh to order, and use premium quality ingredients, including fish from Billingsgate Market, vegetables from local farms, and meat from Broadway Butchers in Herne Bay.”
This commitment to a special customer experience is continued in their drinks offer, as all glasses of wine, along with certain beers, are served with snacks designed to enhance their taste, such as chunks of cheese, olives and paprika crisps.
Fresh flowers and fruit are used for decoration, and the couple have also introduced Ciderology, inviting customers to choose syrups made from local fruits to create a bespoke cider.
Jane said: “Our aim is to create a sense of theatre, serving great beer and beautiful drinks in a unique way, encouraging customers to experiment and enjoy themselves.”
» 20 years at Bristol community pub
» Shepherd Neame names its charity of the year
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