A popular pub has been taken over by a new owner.

Shepherd Neame’s Market House in Earl Street, Maidstone, is now run by Philippe Laché, a general manager from London.

Philippe has swapped working in the heart of London’s hospitality industry after 15 years for a ‘proper Kentish pub’.

Mr Laché and his wife Eva moved to Maidstone following the end of last year’s Covid lockdown.

French-born Philippe began working in the City after moving to the UK in 2007, working his way up within the industry, going from regular pot washer to an award-winning respected general manager.

He joined the Faversham-based brewer and pub company Shepherd Neame, where he launched two Bunga Bunga branches, before moving to renowned Mr Fogg’s Tavern and Gin Parlour in 2018.

At that time he picked up the award for General Manager of the Year, and was responsible for a turnover of £4.2 million at Mr Fogg’s Residence in Mayfair.

But despite this success, he still had aspirations to take on a traditional English pub.

The 36-year-old said: “I have lots of experience within the hospitality industry, but what I hadn’t tried was running a pub.

“The Covid lockdown made me realise you can manage a business, but for me there is nothing better than having someone there at the bar for you, seeing a smile and feeling there is someone there for you – hospitality is all about meeting people and what better place to do that than the Market House?”

The historic pub, formerly known as Earls, took on its original Victorian name of the Market House and reopened in 2018 following a major £900,000 restoration.

It is situated opposite the Hazlitt Theatre and next to the Fremlin Walk shopping centre.

“Our focus at the moment is to continue to promote our delicious menu, and with the sunny weather hopefully on its way, we are also keen to promote our roof terrace, which is perfect for alfresco drinking and dining,” he added.

“The Market House looks beautiful. It is a proper pub. It has good food and good drink.

“With the live music, I do still have the rush and the excitement.

“So here is the perfect balance - and five minutes out of Maidstone and I am in the countryside. I have the buzz and the team is great.”

The pub hosts live music on Friday and Saturday nights from 9.30pm and acoustic sets from 5.30pm on Sundays.

It will also be one of the venues hosting bands for the upcoming Maidstone Fringe Festival, which runs from Thursday, April 28 to Bank Holiday Monday, May 2.