Read’s in Kent, one of the Britain’s longest-running country restaurants with rooms, is to close down after 47 years at the end of the month. Owner-operators Rona and David Pitchford, both in their mid-seventies, say that Father Time has finally caught up with them – much as they would like to carry on for another half century.
The news will comes as little surprise to regulars after the business, on the outskirts of Faversham, was listed for sale last year at £3million. However, the Pitchfords have changed their mind, deciding to “upsize” and carry on living in Macknade Manor, the Georgian house they have grown to love.
The couple originally opened Read’s in the village of Painters Forstal, moving a couple of miles to Macknade in 2000, and have maintained the highest standards to the end, with David’s classical cooking earning high ratings in the 2024 Harden’s guide.
The Pitchfords announced their retirement in a message posted on the Read’s website, reading:
“It is with both sadness and a hint of trepidation, that Rona and I have decided to close Read’s on 31stAugust, 2024. Father Time has finally caught up with us.
“We have genuinely been dreading this day for some time. We promised ourselves we would go out on a high, and with a diary that reads “FULL” for many lunches and dinners into the future, we are sure that such a diary would be the envy of any restaurant in the country.
“We have been blessed with the most wonderful and unbelievably loyal staff over the years. To see our current brilliant team broken up is incredibly sad. If it were not for the perils of age, we would continue for another 47 years. It is not only our staff who have been incredibly loyal over the years but our customers too, many of whom have become friends. Thank you to each and every one of you for your patronage both here at Macknade and previously at Painters Forstal.
“We have had many reasons to feel proud of our achievements over the decades; 21 consecutive years with a Michelin Star, winning Chef of the Year, as well as accolades and awards too numerous to mention, in all of Britain’s major food guides. For us, the greatest pride is to have seen so many of our young protégés, both chefs and front of house, go on to achieve such success in their future careers.
“Although we intend to finish regular trading on 31stAugust, Read’s will very much remain in Rona’s and my care. So, it’s farewell for now, but not goodbye. To paraphrase Winnie the Pooh “How lucky we are to have something that makes saying farewell so hard.”
“With thanks, Rona and David.
“PS. Since the news of our intended closure has circulated, all four telephone lines have been ringing continuously and we are simply unable to answer all calls, particularly at service times. Could we suggest that you contact us by email if you are unable to get a telephone response. Thank you.“
