In the North Kent seaside town’s Cliftonville area, Sète launched late last year and currently trades as a wine bar that specialises in low-intervention wines sourced from biodynamic wine makers.
Stock’s appointment roughly coincides with the completion of a 20-cover restaurant to the rear of the site and 40-cover alfresco dining space, which are both expected to launch late next month.
The chef is already well-known in the area having cooked solo at The Rose Inn in Wickhambreaux, which was listed in The Good Food Guide and made it on to the Estrella Damm’s Top 50 Gastropubs list under his tenure.
Stock will use local seasonal ingredients to create a menu that celebrates retro French cooking ‘reinventing old classics with a modern European twist.’
“I am looking forward to pairing my food with Natalia’s selection of low-intervention wines; it’s something I have not done before, and I think together we can create some fantastic pairings,” Stock says.
Featuring an open kitchen, Sète's new dining area blends the ‘essence of the southern French countryside’ with contemporary influences from Melbourne and NYC.
Sète's redesigned garden is inspired by Provence. The south-facing space will be adorned with hanging foliage, lush greenery and herbs planted in terracotta pots.
Ribbe is well-known in the industry having founded L.O.R., a UK-based initiative empowering women in hospitality through education and curated events.
Her previous restaurant projects include Barletta at Margate’s Turner Contemporary art gallery, which closed last December.
