Nigel Morris, former chef-proprietor of the Dove Inn in Dargate, Kent, is to launch a new venture, Caterer has learnt.

Together with wife Bridget, Morris has acquired the Ivy House in the hamlet of Tyler Hill near Canterbury, and plans to relaunch it as a food-led country pub later this month.

Housed in a period property, the Ivy House comprises a 50-seat dining room with bar, a 20-seat patio area and a small car park.

Morris, who ran the Dove Inn for 10 years, has gained accolades for his classic British cooking, including Michelin recognition and the title of the Good Pub Guide's Kent Dining Pub of the Year.

The pair bought the freehold for the Ivy House from previous owner Oscar Low from a freehold guide price of £425,000 through the Maidstone office of Christie & Co.

Recipe by Nigel Morris: Pan-fried baby brill with brown shrimps and pickled ginger >>

By Kerstin Kühn

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