Stuart Gillies and Chef Atul Kochhar at Essence

This autumn will see a unique two-part collaboration between Atul Kochhar and Stuart Gillies, marking a meeting of two chefs and friends whose careers have shaped modern British dining. On 21st October, Stuart will join Atul at Essence at The Pantiles for a special dinner in Tunbridge Wells. The collaboration will then move to Sevenoaks on 18th November, where Atul will cook alongside Stuart at Number Eight.

STUART GILLIES

Stuart Gillies is a chef and restaurateur with over thirty years of experience in some of the world’s most acclaimed restaurants. Born and raised in Sussex, he began his culinary journey in Europe, training under French, Swiss, and Austrian chefs while living in Sweden. His early career took him to Michelin-starred kitchens including the Hotel Lord Byron in Rome and Restaurant DANIEL in New York, as well as time at The French Laundry in California.

In the UK, Gillies worked at Le Caprice and The Connaught, before opening the celebrated Boxwood Café at The Berkeley Hotel as Chef Patron. He went on to hold senior leadership roles at Gordon Ramsay’s restaurant group, including CEO, overseeing restaurants globally while also appearing regularly on television shows such as Great British Menu, Saturday Kitchen, MasterChef: The Professionals, and as a guest judge on Hell’s Kitchen USA.

In 2019, Gillies founded his own company with his wife Cecilia, creating hospitality concepts focused on seasonality, design, and guest experience. Their first restaurant, Bank House opened in Chislehurst the same year. Following its success, Number Eight was opened in Sevenoaks, in March 2022. Number Eight is modern European bistro and bar, blending Stuart’s global expertise with a focus on family, community, and warm hospitality. Gillies lives in Kent with his wife and their four sons.

Essence at The Pantiles – Price £76.95
Optional Wine Pairing £49.95

Arrival 6.45pm or 7pm
Dinner Commences at 7.15pm