Hewitt, who previously worked under the Smiths as a restaurant manager at their flagship Kent pub The Fordwich Arms, will relaunch The Bridge Arms later this week.
He will lead the pub alongside newly appointed head chef David Gadd, whose CV includes a six year stint at The Sportsman.
“I couldn’t be happier to be now taking on The Bridge Arms,” says Hewitt, who more recently worked as GM at notable Kent pubs including The Rose, The Blue Pelican and The Zetland Arms.
The Bridge Arms had its final service under the Smiths yesterday (10 August) and will reopen this Friday (15 August) with Hewitt and Gadd in charge.
Among the changes will be a new menu of seasonal dishes reflecting the Kent larder that will include smoked short rib with horseradish cream; summer squash soup with courgette fritters; butter poached skate wing with brown shrimp and fresh corn; and a Kentish cherry mille-feuille.
“[The Bridge Arms] is a beautiful pub with cosy fireplaces for the winter and a huge garden and outdoor bar for summer,” Hewitt continues.
“It’s a vital part of the village and local community and whether you’re dropping in for a drink or planning something special, my family and I can’t wait to welcome everyone soon.”
The Smiths opened The Bridge Arms in 2021 on the site that previously housed The White Horse in Bridge.
Compared to The Fordwich Arms, which the pair took over the running of in 2017, The Bridge Arms was positioned as a markedly more relaxed proposition that eschewed the former’s tasting menu in favour of a daily à la carte offering with a focus on grilled meats and fish, much of it cooked using a Josper oven.
Despite its more casual approach, The Bridge Arms received its own share of plaudits with Dan and Natasha being named Restaurateurs of the Year at the 2022 National Restaurant Awards and the pub earning a Michelin star within 10 months of opening.
“It’s been a wonderful journey, and we are deeply grateful to all our loyal customers, staff, and supporters who have been part of it,” says Dan.
“We couldn’t be prouder of what we have achieved. Given the current economic climate, however, it is important to be versatile and adjust to people’s wants and needs and the current market.”
While the Smiths will no longer be involved day to day in the running of The Bridge Arms, they will remain part owners in the business and work closely with Hewitt on the transition.
“Elliot has been a friend and colleague for many years and is a true professional,” Dan adds.
“We just know he is going to excel at the Bridge Arms and create a truly special place that will no doubt be a huge success. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for this much-loved space.”