EXETERWORKS
exeter living awards 2019
Workmate goals: the Seven Stars team including Adam, far left
SEVEN STARS KENNFORD You don’t have to look far for a great gastropub in this corner of Devon, as the quality of contenders in this category proved. But we forced judges at the 2019 Exeter Living Awards to choose just one, because we’re mean like that. They crowned Seven Stars Kennford, whose genial proprietor Adam Milton gives us a glimpse behind the scenes… GASTROPUB WINNER What did it feel like to win an Exeter Living Award?
Out of this world! After being finalists the year before, we were desperate to win the award that is so highly regarded in the Exeter area and with such a high calibre of finalists to compete against. The wait for the announcement seemed an eternity and when we were finally announced as winners our table erupted! I must say the rest of the night was a bit of a blur… What’s your best memory of the night?
Aside from winning!? There are many stories from the event that shall remain a closely guarded secret, but the highlight for me was definitely my team’s reaction to
winning. The first five years of the business have needed dedication and a lot of hard work, and to see how much it meant to them made me very proud. Our sous chef, Carlie Glew, even shed a tear – which I am pleased to see made the Sharp Films highlights video of the night! Why do you think Seven Stars Kennford won?
I believe we offer an experience that is unique to the area. Consumer expectations of pubs have changed dramatically over the years and we have evolved in an attempt to meet them. We pride ourselves on exceptional customer service, hosting a plethora of events through the year, serving the tastiest locally sourced food and drinks, and have a lot of fun along the way. We love what we do.
“The first five years of the business have needed dedication and a lot of hard work” 58 I exeter living I www.mediaclash.co.uk
How did you, personally, first get into the hospitality business?
I worked in the ‘old’ Seven Stars when I was growing up as a kid – waiting tables to start and eventually when old enough working behind the bar. After 10 years working in the private healthcare sector, we as a family had the opportunity to buy the then closed business. What’s coming up at the pub over the next couple of months?
We have got a jam-packed summer this year. Seafood, Spanish and Indian food events, live music from the UK number one, charttopping Josh Kumra, and charity events including our annual pig racing night (don’t worry, batterypowered!). As well as all of our events, we will have our autumn food menu launch in September and will start gearing up for the Big C (Christmas!). Drinks are on us – what’re you having?
A Speyside single malt, please.
What’s been your bestselling drink/dish this summer?
Ice-cold light and dry rosé wine from Provence has been the tipple of choice during the hotter weeks. Locally distilled gin and tonic and hoppier beers continue to keep on trend. The kitchen has been exceedingly busy after the Awards victory, seafood and lamb dishes proving particularly popular. I would recommend our lightly spiced king prawns with chilli jam aioli and honey-glazed cashews to start. For main, our duo of Devon lamb served with a bean medley, gratin potato, carrot puree and red wine jus has proved very popular. Tell us a secret about life behind-the-scenes at Seven Stars Kennford...
A little known fact is that we own and operate the neighbouring shop (Kennford Post Office & Stores) and the Seven Stars Café. Plans are afoot to open B&B accommodation by Easter 2020. There’s more to us than just The Seven Stars! For more: www.sevenstarskennford.co.uk