Rocker-turned-chef Graham Garrett played drums for Ya Ya and The Dumb Blondes in the 1980s before hanging up his sticks to pursue his passion for cooking.

In June, his critically acclaimed restaurant The West House in bucolic Biddenden, Kent celebrated 21 years. Not bad going considering he and his partner Jackie left London with two small children and opened the doors to The West House ‘on a wing and a prayer’ after his successes at The House, Christophe’s and Nico’s.

After all these years, The West House is still an independent and family-run business (son Jake looks after front of house). It’s a mecca for foodies with a local, loyal and discreet celebrity clientele, who return again and again for Graham’s unpretentious style of cooking.

Working with Graham and his small team over the last few months we’ve seen up close his love of quality ingredients, incredible attention to every small detail, and his encyclopaedic knowledge of flavours and traditional techniques.

Not one to court attention and a bit cynical about the long-term, tangible benefit of social media, our content strategy has been centred on authenticity, reflecting the quality culinary experience Graham offers and his unique tone of voice. There’s a lot to work with, Graham has lived a very interesting life and he’s always got a good story or two every time we visit.  

In collaboration, we’ve successfully captured the attention of Graham’s followers, quadrupling the restaurants engagement rates and doubling its following, which is consistently increasing.

Adding newsletter communication has also helped spread awareness of the four beautiful rooms Graham and Jackie added post-COVID and reignite interest and enquiries amongst old customers.

For more details follow @TheWesthouseRestaurant and check out Graham’s autobiographical cookbook ‘Sex & Drugs & Sausage Rolls' It’s a must-read if you like food, music, or just a good yarn!

The West House Restaurant, Biddenden, Kent.

www.thewesthouserestaurant.co.uk

Instagram: @thewesthouserestaurant