The owner of newly-opened 32 Brasserie in Windmill Street, Gravesend, is hoping it will put the town on the fine dining map

A new French brasserie wants to put Gravesend on the map as the place to enjoy fine dining.

Whether you like a curry, pizza or a roast, the town has never been short of a place for a hearty meal - but, it would be fair to say, more upmarket options are slightly less available.

However, the 32 Brasserie in Windmill Street, is hoping to change this.

Owner Andrew Young
Owner Andrew Young

Opened by businessman Andrew Young, 55, the restaurant, once Delhi Kitchen, has been transformed into a place that oozes Gaelic charm.

A man with an infectious passion for food and his restaurant, Mr Young said: "I want to stop people from leaving Gravesend to eat and bring people from outside areas such as Rochester to come here. But what I really want someone to get on that train from London and come to the town to eat."

The 32 does have a strong focus on French cuisine but the menu also has influences from across the gastronomic globe and Mr Young is keen that his chefs do not limit themselves.

The first-time restaurateur enjoys a great relationship with his catering team - some of whom he recruited straight out of college.

He said: "I’ve got two great sous chefs and one is from the Kent catering college, her name is Abbey and she’s only 17 years old but shes an absolute star. I can see her doing things and I want to help her with that."

Jenny behind the bar
Jenny behind the bar

There is a strong emphasis on quality and service at the restaurant and the staff, who greet you with beaming smiles and a welcoming demeanor as soon as you walk in, are keen to explain their favourite dishes and recommendations.

Many successful businessman would like the idea of running their own restaurant and while Mr Young admitted his was definitely his “passion project” - he was prepared to work 24/7 to achieve success.

He said: "I’ve always had an interest in food and I’ve spent a lot of time in France. But I think running a restaurant is actually one of the most difficult things to get right - but I have a passion for getting things right."

As well as having a varied and enticing menu the 32 also has a stocked bar with a generous selection of wines, spirits and craft bottled beers.

The bar is at a low height so there is no room to stand and a lean, a habit the boss was keen to avoid, but comfy chairs facing the window prove the perfect place to enjoy your favourite tipple.

Mr Young said he wanted his brasserie to be a place people came for a special occasion and to be wined and dined.

He said: "We want this to be a restaurant couples want to go for a romantic meal or colleagues for a business lunch or a family meal. That’s been a real goal of mine."

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