Kent restaurant appoints John Burton-Race in development role

Kent Inns of Distinction, a privately owned Kent-based restaurant and hotel operator, has announced that celebrity chef John Burton-Race will head up the group’s development division as the company eyes ambitious expansion plans.

Two derelict sites join the group's portfolio and half a million pounds is being invested in refits, with the creation of 30 new jobs. Harvey's Fish Market & Oyster Bar on Ramsgate's Royal Harbour, is due to open in June 2009. Ivy House in Tonbridge opened in March 2009.

Burton-Race will oversee training and menu development. Harvey's chefs will undergo intensive training at the TV chef's restaurant, New Angel in Devon.

Harvey's will is owned and operated by husband and wife team Richard and Sherry Martin, from Sandwich in Kent. Richard said: "Our business is all about food and despite the downturn and doom mongering in some corners of the press, our customers are still coming out to eat. Our new businesses are in fantastic locations and with John Burton Race's involvement we will be able to introduce some really exciting new styles of food at all our restaurants."

Words: Clare Riley

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