Chef Dev Biswal Acquires Historic Phoenix Tavern in UK

Odisha-born restaurateur and chef Dev Biswal has acquired the historic 14th-century Phoenix Tavern in Faversham, Kent, marking a new chapter in his hospitality journey in the UK.

Known for The Cook's Tale (formerly The Ambrette) and Marrakesh Café in Canterbury, Biswal will reopen the pub for drinks on November 20, followed by a full kitchen service from December 1. The pub's kitchen, which previously held two AA Rosettes, had closed six months ago, although the bar continued operating with reduced hours.

With the acquisition, Biswal plans to bring together traditional British pub culture and the flavours of Odisha under one roof. The property will also offer a family room for overnight guests from the New Year.

Located on Abbey Street in the market town of Faversham, the Phoenix Tavern occupies a medieval hall house dating back to around 1330. Known for its original oak beams, period features and traditional inglenook fireplace, the pub also features an enclosed walled garden.

Biswal's innovative approach to contemporary Odia cuisine has earned recognition from national and international awards organisations, including Michelin. At the new venture, he plans to serve modern gastropub interpretations of traditional English pub food alongside authentic Odia dishes, showcasing Kent's wealth of local produce.

The relaunch will also create 12 entry-level jobs, offering opportunities to young people with little or no prior experience in hospitality. Biswal and his business partner, Frank Ward, who will take on the role of landlord, aim to use the venture as a platform to encourage more school and college leavers to consider careers in the sector.

“For bright, ambitious, hard-working youngsters who are keen to learn, the opportunities and rewards are tremendous. International travel, working on private yachts, cooking in top ski resorts are all real possibilities,” said Ward.

To support the initiative, Biswal plans to use his training kitchen in Canterbury, where he regularly conducts cookery classes, to train new recruits in essential kitchen skills. His culinary travel venture, The Cook's Adventures, also brings international visitors to Odisha to experience the state's food, culture and traditions.

Speaking about the decision to enter the pub business amid challenging conditions for the UK hospitality sector, Biswal sees opportunities in the current market. “It's a good time to be negotiating with suppliers as there's deals to be done, the UK is still the fifth richest economy in the world,” he said.

A serial entrepreneur who also leads restaurant consultancy Odyssey Advisory Group, Biswal believes better cost management is essential for hospitality businesses to remain profitable.

“A lot of pubs and restaurants are failing to control costs. When we take on a new client, we invariably identify immediate savings, usually running into thousands, by eliminating waste and cutting unnecessary costs without compromising the quality of the customer experience,” he added.