The award-winning chef behind Kent Restaurant of the Year 2015 has unveiled his plans for one of the city’s oldest pubs – snapped up for £500,000.

Matt Sworder plans to convert the former Flying Horse on Canterbury’s ringroad into a 50-cover eaterie with three en-suite guest rooms above.

Mr Sworder, a former Canterbury College student, will serve locally-sourced produce featuring on a short but regularly-changing menu.

The 30-year-old is owner of the successful Corner House in Minster, Kent Restaurant of the Year 2015 as well as being listed in the Michelin Guide.

Corner House dishes include whole New Church lamb shoulder for four with dauphinoise potatoes and seasonal vegetables and Bethersden beef briskett with triple cooked chips, slaw and super salad.

He recently bought the listed Flying Horse building for £500,000 and will now embark on a six-month restoration project.

“We plan a restaurant on the ground floor with an open plan kitchen so there’s a connection between the diners and the food being prepared,” he told the Gazette.

It will be a short and dynamic menu, changing regularly, celebrating local British produce.”

Mr Sworder says the restaurant and guest house could be up and running by spring next year.

“This is a fantastic city and I love the idea of taking the Corner House concept to Canterbury.

“It’s got a fantastic food scene and I’m looking forward to joining that.”

Mr Sworder’s Corner House has enjoyed growing acclaim.

His recipe to success, he says, is “all about doing the simple things really well”.

“We hand-make our bread each morning, and all our pasta and ice creams are all home made,” he said.

“In short, The Corner House offers an informal dining experience that focuses on simple dishes executed properly.”