Chef

Richard Phillips at Chapel Down Vineyard, near Tenterden

One of Kent’s best-known restaurants has shut after less than four years.

The fine dining venue at Chapel Down Vineyard, Smallhythe, near Tenterden, run by celebrity chef Richard Phillips, closed on January 24.

The decision was "very disappointing," said vineyard chief executive Frazer Thompson. It was hard to understand why an award-winning restaurant with a £1m-plus turnover should fail.

The vineyard had a landlord/tenant arrangement with Mr Phillips and his company Kentish Dining Rooms (KDR). It owes the vineyard "a lot of money," Mr Thompson said.

"We are disappointed by what has happened. Whilst it’s a tough business environment out there at the moment, the restaurant has had tremendous trade since it opened in July 2008. In addition, English wines in general and Chapel Down in particular is an exciting place to be right now as we enter Jubilee and Olympic Year."

He insisted that it was not the end of a vineyard restaurant and it would re-open with a new partner, or run by the vineyard.

"We’ve helped to create a £1m restaurant business and we intend to get the operation trading successfully as soon as possible." Several bookings, including wedding receptions, have been cancelled.

It is understood that the decision by Ashford council to stop wedding receptions going on beyond 9pm was a key factor in the controversial decision.

KDR also runs Thackeray’s, Tunbridge Wells, and is a partner at The Hengist, Aylesford, and Pearsons Arms,Whitstable.