The refurbished Abergavenny Arms in Frant near Tunbridge Wells has announced a programme of summer events, by its new septuagenarian landlord, Richard Burrell.

On Saturday 11th June the popular 'SweatHeart Swing' vocal duo will provide vintage entertainment at the pub with swinging sounds from the 1940s to celebrate the Queen's 90th birthday. The show begins at 3.00pm. The will be a barbecue available all day in the beer garden which seats 50 diners.

The Abergavenny will provide the beer tent for Frant Parish fete on Saturday 9th July between 11.30am and 3.30pm, with Fullers Butcher supplying the barbecue.

August Bank holiday will see the return of 'SweatHeart Swing' to “The Ab” on Sunday 28th August.

At 70, The Abergavenny Arms's new owner, Richard Burrell is thought to be Britain's oldest entrant into the pub trade.

“Seventy is the new 40 – I tried being retired, but I have too much energy, got bored and drove my wife mad,” said Richard, who puts in a shift at the pub each day.

He sold his chain of eponymous jewellery shops, which still bear his name, which had branches in Kent, Surrey and London – then decided he needed a new challenge. He bought the historic fifteenth century former coaching house, and installed a new team led by manager Digby Harvey.

Richard wasted no time in embarking on a sensitive refurbishment of the pub, updating its style and atmosphere, whilst preserving its the historical integrity.

The new head chef Giles Fulcher brings classic dishes in an unusual way to deliver something that is “familiar yet unique” whilst retaining traditional classic pub favourites befitting such an historic hostelry.

His signature dish is a wild mushroom garden, a celeriac purée, braised cep mushrooms and soil made from wild mushrooms, pistachio and truffle oil. This dish – which creates a natural look on the plate – is inspired by country walks in the stunning countryside around Frant, which is heavily wooded and offers the sweeping vistas of High Weald.

In addition to the full a la carte menu, which is served all day, there are now mid week specials. Tuesday is Burger Night with gourmet burgers served with a choice of six topping, chips and a pint of beer or glass of wine for only £12. Wednesday is Moules Night – with a choice of Provencal, A La Crème, Cider & Bacon or Thai for £14.95. On Thursdays a Seafood Paella is served at £14.95.

Although most of what Giles uses in the kitchen is sourced locally from independent producers, only the best ingredients make it to the plate. He has no hesitation bring in fresh Cornish crab, Colchester oysters or Orkney mussels.

The bar offers no fewer than six hand pulled ales from Kent and Sussex brewers, such as Harvey's Best, Tonbridge Coppernob, Long Man's American Pale Ale and Best Bitter, Larkin's Traditional and Dark Star's Hophead. Also stocked is Curious Brew from Chapel Down Brewery.

The growing number of younger gin drinkers is also reflected, with a wide selection which includes 1606, Bulldog, Boodles, Bloom, Whitley Neill, Hendricks, Tanqueray and Bombay Sapphire.

Chef Giles Fulcher is also planning a 5 course 'Culinary Extraveganza' of mostly local, seasonal produce, paired with fine wines carefully selected by Ellis of Richmond's Mike Kard, who will be playing sommelier for the evening. The evening begins with a canapé of home cured salmon and asparagus with a glass of prosecco superiore; a starter of baby spring vegetables with soft boiled egg served with a South African Chardonnay; a fish course of Cornish crab and chilli croquette matched with an Australian Paulette Reisling; a main of rump of lamb paired with a Spanish Bodegas Ramon Bilboa, with a selection of British cheeses to finished served with Port. The date has yet to be set.

ENDS

Editors' Notes: Photos available.

A former 15th century coaching inn, the imposing Abergavenny Arms is located on Kent/East Sussex border outside Tunbridge Wells on the A267 to Eastbourne. Under new management, the food-fed pub is earning a reputation for its cooking and warm welcome. There is ample parking, three dining areas, a long L-shaped bar plus alfresco seating for 50 customers on the split-level decked terrace. The bar features comfy sofas and cozy log fire.

The seasonal menu is a blend of traditional and modern British cooking. Fresh Colchester oysters and Orkney mussels are offered when available. Most of the food is sourced locally and the menus change with the seasons.

Opening hours 11am to 11pm Monday to Saturday and 12 from noon on Sundays. Food is served all day until 9.00pm.

SweetHeart Swing, Vocal duo Peggy & Vi are inspired The Andrews Sisters who pushed the boundaries in the 1940s, bringing swinging sounds to the troops during World War II. The musical-wartime era brought a wonderful sense of fun and uplifting entertainment during the dark days of the blitz. www.sweatheartswing.co.uk

Ellis of Richmond Founded in 1822 is a prominent supplier of wines and represents award winning producers from around the world. The company sources quality wines, to the on trade. With an extensive list of over 900, many on exclusive Elli offers a distinctive and unique range to our on-trade customers, enabling customers to create their own unique wine list suited to their clientele. www.ellisofrichmond.co.uk

History The original simple framed building which brewed its own beer, was built in 1441 during the reign of Henry VI. The first recorded keeper of the tavern then known as 'The Apsis' was William Appes, a former disciple of the Kentish rebel leader Jack Cade. In 1450 Cade's followers marched on London in an attempt to overthrow the Government. The uprising which began in May saw 5000 men gather in Blackhealth in June, who marched on London on 3rd July and were captured on 12th July.

Significant incidents in the rebellion (dramaticised in Shakespeare's Henry VI part II, where Cade's phrase 'dead as a door nail' originates), took place throughout Kent and Sussex in Heathfield, Sevenoaks, Lewes, Faversham, Dover, Canterbury and the Isle of Sheppey.

During the late 16th century the Apsis became 'The Bull', until the 18th century when the lounge bar became the parish courthouse and the cellars used to hold those accused of crimes. The cells which still exist, were in use until the 19th century. In 1705, “commodious stables” were built and in the mid 18th century, it became a posting house offering refreshments, accommodation and fresh horses.

In 1823 The Bull was renamed the Abergavenny Arms hotel in honour of Lord Abergavenny, still a major local land owner, who owned the property until 1933.

Ghost Local folk lore has it that the pub is haunted by the ghost of a coachman who died on the premises in 1770 and was thrown from a window. Had the body been discovered on the premises, a bye law would have closed the inn until after an inquest into the cause of death could be heard. The pub was also situated in close proximity to Frant's 'hanging tree', used to lynch cattle rustlers until the penalty was abolished in 1832. One of the reasons the pub stopped offering B&B accommodation was because of guests complaining of their sleep being disturbed by strange noises and “ghostly apparitions”.

Media Contact: To review contact George Shaw at Avocado Media

T: 01892 750851  M : 07860 695555  E : geo@avocadomedia.co.uk

The Abergavenny Arms, Frant Road, Frant, Tunbridge Wells TN3 9EJ

T: 01892 750 233 Tw: @AbergavennyPub

W: www.abergavenny.co.uk E: abergavennyarms@outlook.com