Hello, This is just a short note to tell you how excited we are to bring back the magic of Jimmy Beez.
In December 1997 I broke my neck surfing in India and found it particularly hard to recover while running a busy restaurant on the Portobello Road. So in 1998 I sold the premises and decided to take a well-earned break and travel extensively through Asia.
It was heart-wrenching to leave this business behind. Culturally, we had redefined the restaurant and bar space in 1993. Jimmy Beez had won numerous awards for its food, but more importantly it was a collective space that welcomed everyone from every background, religion and colour. Indeed, Portobello Road in the 1990s defined the wonderful place this country was going through during this time.
Many a star passed through our doors — it was indeed a melting pot for the music industry to be seen. This was emphasised with Virgin Records, EMI, Arista and Polydor offices all local, and producers and managers bringing in the future stars.
Gary Lee, the Head Chef of Jimmy Beez, went on to become the Ivy’s Executive Head Chef, running the kitchen at West Street along with the Private Members Club and function room. The cookbook also came out, and the Ivy in Dubai opened, which Gary was instrumental in opening.
Over the years, we kept in touch, swapping stories and recipes, hoping to work with each other again!
Our Whitstable restaurant will be located in the former Bear & Key Hotel and Public House, a historic landmark dating back to 1751. Situated in the heart of Whitstable, the building provides the perfect setting for the return of Jimmy Beez. From Whitstable, we plan to expand into Ramsgate, Folkestone, Deal, and Cliftonville, creating a collection of distinctive coastal restaurants across Kent.
Address
1-3 High Street, Whitstable, Kent, CT5 1AP
Be the first to know when Jimmy Beez opens its doors in Whitstable.