The Abergavenny Arms gastropub in Frant near Tunbridge Wells has recruited head chef Katie Burke from CAU, the town's Argentine-inspired steakhouse, who has wasted no time in beefing up the menu.

Katie butchers her own prime Angus and Dexter steaks, which have been aged for a minimum of 38-days, and plans to introduce nose-to-tail dining, buying in whole sides of beef.

The steaks are hand cut to order at either 320g or 260g portions as Fillet of Rump Medallions (£23.75 or £19.75), Rib Eye (£24.50 or £20.75) or sirloin (£25.75 or £21.75), served with hand cut triple cooked chunk chips, sautéed chestnut mushrooms and spinach.  Larger steaks will be cut on request. Blue Cheese Hollandaise and Peppercorn Sauces are £1.00 and surf and turf fans can upgrade with the addition of half a lobster for £17.50.

But Thursday is 'Steak Night' at the pub, rump is available for only £14.95 and includes a glass of wine or pint of beer.

Tuesday is Burger Night at the Abergavenny, with the steak trimmings being used in the homemade gourmet burgers, which are served with a choice of six toppings, chips and a pint of beer or glass of wine for only £12. 

At its 4-day sell out beer festival over the bank holiday weekend, when ale drinkers were presented with a selection of 12 guest beers, 'The Ab' introduced its own “Burrells Best”, a rich, nutty flavoured traditional bitter.  The 4% abv beer is dedicated to the pub's owner, Richard Burrell who (at 70) was accredited as being Britain's oldest entrant into the pub trade, when he sold his chain of eponymous jewellery shops, then decided he needed a new challenge. Richard wasted no time in embarking on a sensitive refurbishment of the pub, updating its style and atmosphere, whilst preserving its historical integrity.

ENDS

Editors' Notes:  Photos available.

A former 15th century coaching inn, the imposing Abergavenny Arms is located on the Kent/East Sussex border outside Tunbridge Wells on the A267, set amid stunning wooded scenery with sweeping vistas of High Weald. 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 a 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.

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.

Opening hours 11am to 11pm Monday to Saturday and 12 from noon on Sundays.  A full a la carte menu is served all day until 9.00pm.

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 9DB

T: 01892 750 233 Tw: @AbergavennyPub

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