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The Rose Inn in Wickhambreaux near Canterbury closes just after Michelin success

A pub which was added to the Michelin guide less than four months ago has announced its closure, with the building up on the market.

The Grade II-Listed Rose Inn in Wickhambreaux near Canterbury is up for sale, and the current tenants have permanently closed their business.

Michelin Guide pub The Rose Inn in Wickhambreaux near Canterbury has closed. Picture: Rightmove
Michelin Guide pub The Rose Inn in Wickhambreaux near Canterbury has closed. Picture: Rightmove

Head chef Billy Stock spoke to KentOnline when the restaurant was given its impressive status back in February.

He said: “It means a lot, especially when all the team and staff are working very hard.

“It’s nice to be rewarded for that.

Chef Billy Stock brought the pub in 2021 with the hopes of ‘reviving’ it for the local community. Picture: The Rose Inn
Chef Billy Stock brought the pub in 2021 with the hopes of ‘reviving’ it for the local community. Picture: The Rose Inn

“We’ve had quite positive feedback from customers and that’s really helped business.

“With the current climate that we’re in, it’s a very good thing, it’s very special to us.

“Obviously what we’re doing in their minds is a good thing, and that’s the standard we’ll continue to hold ourselves to.”

Michelin guide judges said: “This lovely, cosy 14th Century pub is run by a friendly, welcoming team, who serve up sharing plates in the summer and hearty, satisfying dishes in the winter – carefully prepared and full of flavour all year round.”

The venue’s website now reveals that they are “permanently closed”, adding: “Our time at The Rose Inn has come to an end.

The Rose Inn in Wickhambreaux was added to the Michelin Guide in February. Picture: Rightmove
The Rose Inn in Wickhambreaux was added to the Michelin Guide in February. Picture: Rightmove

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Mr Stock took over the business in 2021, “reviving” 14th Century boozer with contemporary British cuisine.

On the company’s website, he said: “My goal for The Rose Inn was to bring it back to its former glory while keeping the village and community front of mind.”

It’s also listed in the Good Food Guide and Estrella Damm’s Top 50 Gastro Pubs 2023.

The historic building is available to buyers for just under £600,000.

The decorated pub in Wickhambreaux near Canterbury is on the market. Picture: Rightmove
The decorated pub in Wickhambreaux near Canterbury is on the market. Picture: Rightmove

Estate Agents Christie and Co say: “The Rose Inn is a very attractive Grade II Listed property, full of charm with wooden beams, exposed wooden flooring and open fireplaces.

“The business has built up a good reputation among both the local and wider community.

“It represents a great opportunity to purchase a notable public house in this area.”

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