Proud Italian restaurant owners are celebrating after winning a spot in the Michelin Guide after opening for just 18 months.

Inspectors lauded Updown Farmhouse in Betteshanger this week for its “charming restaurant” bedecked in “rustic decor”, in a blurb on the prestigious list.

Having opened only in July 2022, Updown is the latest Kent eatery to feature in the guide, joining Broadstairs-based Kebbells, added last October.

Despite Updown proving popular with customers and critics since throwing open the doors, bosses admit the news had come out of the blue.

Speaking to KentOnline, co-owner Ruth Leigh said: “We are very proud, it wasn’t something that we’d been trying for but it was very nice to see it.

“We only found out when they asked us for photos, it was a really nice surprise.

“The first 18 months have been amazing and a bit of a rollercoaster.

“It’s quite a different operation to when we started, it’s a bit more intense but we’ve built a really great team here and we’re growing it from there.”

Alongside partner and chef Oliver Brown, the pair have overseen the dramatic transformation of the former farmhouse – having converted it into a restaurant and hotel.

With Ruth taking the lead on front-of-house, Oliver has put together the Italian-inspired menu while drawing on the experience of working in Hong Kong and with top chef Rowley Leigh.

His menu is known to change every month – allowing for fresh flavours and ideas to come to the forefront.

And in a summary of Updown Farmhouse for the guide, Michelin bosses paid tribute to the couple’s work.

It said: “Hidden in the heart of the glorious Kent countryside, this delightful 17th-century farmhouse has been lovingly restored by its owners, and in the garden you'll find a charming, vine-laden conservatory restaurant with rustic décor.

“There are Italian influences aplenty on the menu, with dishes like ossobuco and crab tagliolini, alongside many cooked over an open fire and steak night on Wednesday.

“The gardens stretch over 7 acres in total, with individually styled bedrooms spread about the place.”

The duo spent years refurbishing the farmhouse, which sits in seven and a half acres of countryside, carrying out restoration works to reflect the building's history and setting.

What was once the barn is now the restaurant, which has seen its operations expand in the past 18 months, and is now open five days a week for customers.

The restaurant also has its own woodland, mature wildflower gardens and a pergola with outdoor seating.

Four of the rooms in the main house overlook the grounds, and three new guest suites have been created from outbuildings including the stables.

The drinks menu is also seasonal and features cocktails made with produce from the restaurant's garden, alongside various local wines.

Reviews for the eatery have been positive, with a four-star rating on TripAdvisor.

One reviewer wrote: “Simple, delicious and generously served cooking, in the most idyllic and picturesque setting, completely unspoiled by the rainy weather that day.

“I couldn’t recommend it more, and can’t wait to go back with my friends and family.”