Stuart Gillies launches Number Eight in Sevenoaks

24 February 2022

Chef Stuart Gillies will open his new restaurant and bar, Number Eight at 8 London Road in the historic market town of Sevenoaks in Kent, today 24th February.

Co-owned by Stuart and his wife Cecilia, Number Eight will be a family run business, occupying an impressive 16th century corner site opening up onto a courtyard terrace. Floor to ceiling windows inset against a deep sea green façade allow guests to while away their afternoons, watching the world go by, while the interiors juxtapose the quaint locale with solid oak parquet flooring, plush banquet seating, gold rimmed lampshades and a raised marble-topped bar.

Gillies has created a menu of luxury comforts that herald the very best in season using local artisan suppliers. Harping back to his global travels, Gillies has taken inspiration from his culinary journey as a chef, working with some of the biggest names in the industry from Stockholm to Rome, New York to London. Dishes on the menu not only capture Gillies’ diverse chef journey but offer diners eclectic choices, including whipped cod’s roe with a sprinkling of hazelnuts, green beans and homemade focaccia; truffled artichokes with creme fraiche dressing and Mache salad; Buttermilk chicken, bbq sauce, blue cheese shavings; Confit leg of Goosnargh duck, roasted ceps, Cavolo Nero, garlic fried potatoes; Rye Bay Monkfish curry; roasted loin of Chart Farm venison, swede mash, sour cherry, chocolate sauce and Fettucine of Dorset crab, chilli, spring onions, garlic.

Keeping it local, a concise and carefully considered wine list with a nod to English sparkling Blanc de Blanc and local vineyards (Kingscote, Gusbourne, Chapel Down) provide the perfect aperitif alongside a selection of biodynamic and organic wines from Cave De Pyrenne. House-made Number Eight cocktails including No.8 Sour, Tommy’s Margarita and Conker Espresso Martini are there as an ideal pre or post dinner tipple.

The Gallery, a private space with up to 16 covers will provide dual purpose for those looking for a more intimate dining affair as well as a bespoke artwork space, in collaboration with Charlie Smedley (A Space for Art) to showcase young up and coming artists.

Co-founder Stuart Gillies comments on the opening: “Cecilia and I are so excited to bring Number Eight to Sevenoaks. The opening of Bank House in Chislehurst in 2019 has given us the perfect launch pad from which to integrate ourselves further into the local community. Sevenoaks is such a vibrant town full of incredible independent operators, we can’t wait to be part of it all, sharing our passion for good honest food and great wine with locals and visitors alike.


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