Molly Miller tells the Times about the Mediterranean-inspired menu at The Brasserie, as new Restaurant Director Luis Alves brings fresh influences to the One Warwick Park Hotel eatery…
Tunbridge Wells restaurant The Brasserie, which is in a central location between The Pantiles and Chapel Place has brought in a fresh leader. Luis Alves has joined the team as Restaurant Director, bringing with him 45 years of hospitality experience with plans to expand the menu.
Part of the award-winning One Warwick Park Hotel, The Brasserie, which is already popular for its breakfast and brunch options appointed Mr Alves last month to oversee the restaurant and work closely with the culinary team and Head Chef Ollie Funnell.
The Lisbon-born restaurateur said he’s keen to build on the existing brand and introduce a new evening menu that takes inspiration from his Portuguese heritage.
“One Warwick Park has an excellent hospitality portfolio and I look forward to bringing The Brasserie’s new Mediterranean-inspired dishes to Tunbridge Wells,” Mr Alves told the Times.
Collaborating with Ollie Funnell, the Head Chef and Restaurant Director have been experimenting with classic Mediterranean dishes such as lobster ravioli, spiced chicken thigh and bouillabaisse – a classic French soup made with tiger prawns, mussels, and cod.
“The menu will focus on fresh ingredients sourced locally. I feel really passionate about this, it’s how we do it back home.
“I want to cook dishes that people only get to experience on holiday and bring them right to the heart of Tunbridge Wells – I feel our town is missing this,” Luis continued.
Born and raised in Portugal, Mr Alves grew up in the kitchen helping his father, who was a chef. Regular trips to local markets sparked the restaurateur’s passion for fresh food, which has seen him move from Portugal to the UK in 2001.
He has since amassed an impressive culinary CV, working for the likes of The Ivy, Park Chinois, Bocca Social, Marco Pierre White’s Syon Park and The Spa Hotel.
Operations Director Nick Moore said: “With Luis and Ollie’s creative flare, it’s an exciting time for The Brasserie. We are delighted to have him on board and his knowledge and passion reinforce our commitment to continuously enhancing our guest offerings and developing our restaurant.”
As well as evening dishes, there will be an expansive drinks menu featuring wines and cocktails crafted by The Brasserie’s mixologist. The restaurant says guests will be able to pair their chosen dishes with recommended drinks for the ultimate fine dining experience.
Bookings are available now for March 1, however, those eager to get a taste of what’s to come can reserve a table on Valentine’s Day, where the restaurant will be opening until late, serving a four-course menu that nods to future flavours.
The set menu costs £49 per person and guests can choose from a selection of extraordinary dishes including seared scallops, wild mushroom pappardelle and baked Alaska. They will also be greeted by a complimentary glass of bubbles and amuse-bouche.
Bookings can be made at OpenTable.co.uk or by calling 0189 252 0587, where customers
can also book for breakfast and brunch, which will continue as normal alongside the new evening menu.
One Warwick Park Hotel is owned by Elite Leisure Collection, which also runs One Media, publisher of the Times of Tunbridge Wells.
