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If you’ve been paying close attention, you might have noticed our brand-new “45” logo appearing across our menus, website, social media, and print materials. That’s because 2025 marks an incredible 45 years since Sankey’s first opened its doors—a milestone that we’re immensely proud of. In fact, no other hospitality business in the area has been around for this long; we’re ahead by nearly 20 years!

A Look Back: The Origins of Sankey’s

Sankey’s has always been about family, passion, and great food. It all started in September 1980, when Guy & Maggie Sankey—Matthew’s parents—opened their very first restaurant: Sankey’s at The Gate in Hildenborough. At the time, Maggie was expecting Matthew, who was born that November, and interest rates were a staggering 17%—talk about a challenging start!

By 1989, the business moved to 39 Mount Ephraim, where we remain today. Back then, the site served as the head office for Muffett Gears (which has since relocated). Over the years, Sankey’s has evolved, embracing new trends while staying true to its roots:

• 2007 – Matthew took full ownership of the business after buying his father’s shares.

• 2009 – Sankey’s Fishmongers opened, bringing top-quality seafood to Tunbridge Wells.

• 2013 – The Old Fish Market (OFM) was launched, further cementing our seafood legacy.

• 2024 – A new chapter began as Richard Maher joined as a shareholder and Operations Director, bringing with him a wealth of hospitality experience from Carluccio’s & even The George & Dragon.

And speaking of The Old Fishmarket, we’re proud to announce that it has retained its 2 AA Rosettes for the second consecutive year—a testament to the dedication and skill of our incredible team.

Then & Now: The Evolution of Sankey’s

When Sankey’s first opened on Mount Ephraim, it was a white tablecloth restaurant, and the bar area was divided into four separate rooms. Meanwhile, the basement—which had once housed large concrete lobster tanks—was transformed into a wine bar.

By the mid-1990s, things started to change. The brasserie concept was introduced, and the walls were removed upstairs to create a more open and inviting bar space—closer to the casual-yet-premium experience we offer today.

The Sankey Family’s Hospitality Heritage

Sankey’s isn’t just about one generation—it’s a business built on decades of hospitality experience. Matthew’s grandparents, Jeff (Jennifer) & Dick (Richard), ran The George & Dragon in Speldhurst from 1965, where they became known for their game dishes and high-profile customers, including Elizabeth Taylor & Richard Burton.

The family’s impact on the food scene extends even further:

• Matthew’s father, Guy, owned Famous Speldhurst Sausages, which you can still find in Sainsbury’s today.

• Spike Milligan once declared Sankey’s his favourite restaurant in an article for The Telegraph.

• Guy won the Badoit Restaurant of the Year award just a year before a certain Richard Stein (who later changed his name to Rick).

• Over the years, the family has also owned or operated The Beau Nash & The Compasses.

And in true Sankey tradition, both Matthew and his son, William, were born above a pub—Matthew at The Gate and William right here, in what is now the function room.

A Legacy Worth Celebrating

As we celebrate 45 years of Sankey’s, we want to thank our incredible team and loyal customers who have made this journey possible. With the addition of Richard Maher and our continued commitment to excellence, the next chapter promises to be even more exciting.

Here’s to the future—filled with more great food, great people, and great memories!

Stay tuned for more anniversary celebrations throughout the year—because a milestone like this deserves to be marked in style.

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