Number Eight Sevenoaks · Guest Chef Night

Number Eight, Sevenoaks, announces 2026 guest chef series - a year of landmark collaborations following a run of sold-out events. Following two sold-out guest chef dinners, Number Eight in Sevenoaks has announced an exciting programme of collaborations for 2026. Guest Chef Night with Tom Anglesea

Owner-chef Stuart Gillies has recently welcomed two distinguished chefs into the kitchen for standout one-night-only events. On 6 November 2025, Stuart reunited with Tom Anglesea, Executive Chef at Dovetale for the first time in 20 years. The dinner celebrated Kent’s exceptional produce and marked a full-circle moment in their shared culinary history, having first worked together at Gordon Ramsay’s Boxwood Café before Tom went on to Per Se in New York and later lead the kitchen at Dovetale in London.

This was followed by a spring collaboration in March with Erion Karaj, Executive Chef of The Groucho Club. Erion worked with Stuart for 10 years at the Gordon Ramsay Group where he was Executive Chef for the group until 2018. The Italian-inspired evening, rooted in Erion’s heritage and Stuart’s early years cooking in Rome, will celebrate responsibly sourced Kent produce paired with bright Mediterranean flavours. The event sold out in less than a week following its announcement.

Upcoming guest chefs

Guest Chef Night with Tim Hughes and Tom Fraser

Tim Hughes & Tom Fraser 13th May 2026 First up, Number Eight will host a fish-focused evening in collaboration with Tim Hughes, Executive Chef, and Tom Fraser, Head Chef from Scott’s Richmond. The menu will be created working in partnership with Chapman’s Fishmongers of Rye and Sevenoaks - a respected local supplier with its own fleet, ensuring daily landings and full traceability from boat to plate. The menu will celebrate the best of the Kent and Sussex coastline, plus one of Scott’s most iconic dishes: the oyster shell white chocolate dessert. Fully booked

Kevin Gratton 23rd September 2026 Kevin Gratton is currently Chef of the Café Royal Grill, London. His background is Executive for Hix restaurants, as well as executive chef for Le Caprice restaurant group. He started his career in Yorkshire before joining Marco Pierre White at The Canteen Chelsea harbour, then the Oak Room where Marco achieved 3 Michelin stars. Kevin is a passionate, experienced chef, as well as an active social media presence supporting industry development and hospitality growth. Book now

Atul Kochhar 21st October and 18th November 2026 This autumn will see a unique two-part collaboration between Stuart Gillies and Atul Kochhar, marking a meeting of two chefs and friends whose careers have shaped modern British dining. On 21st October, Stuart will join Atul at his restaurant 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. Atul Kochhar, the first Indian chef to receive a Michelin star, is renowned for his refined approach to Indian cuisine, blending heritage flavours with contemporary British influences. Together, the pair will create a six-course tasting menu, three of the dishes Atul's and three Stuart's, showcasing their extensive experience over many years in the industry. Booking coming soon

Dave Wall January 2027 Stuart will welcome Dave Wall of The Unruly Pig, widely regarded as one of the UK’s leading gastropubs and a multi-award-winning restaurant. Known for bold, flavour-led cooking and refined technique, Dave’s approach aligns naturally with Stuart’s ingredient-first philosophy. The dinner promises a celebration of modern British cooking at its most confident and generous. Booking coming soon

Go33802073768

4 September 2025

A real gem of a restaurant Great food beautifully cooked and prrsented. Friendly, helpful and welcoming staff. Nice atmosphere and classy decor. I recommend this restaurant if you are ever in Sevenoaks!

David M

20 August 2025

Excellence personified Excellent experience in every respect. My son took me here to celebrate my birthday, and boy, did they do the job well. Greeted by a very welcoming lady (Charlotte) and made to feel very valued as a customer. Being Monday evening, the restaurant was not busy, but I was immediately impressed with the open, airy atmosphere. The tables are not squashed together, but plenty of space around each has been allowed. I found the menu to be quite different to what I am normally faced with, but then that appears to be part of the attraction of the dining experience. I loved every mouthful! The food was well prepared, flavoursome, and beautifully presented. The service was impeccable, possibly helped by the restaurant not being full. We were asked on more than one occasion if all was to our liking, which it definitely was. I think that at some point, my son had advised them as to the reason for our visit because when it came to dessert, I was presnted with a china plate on which had been scripted 'Happy Birthday' in chocolate sauce., with a cherry and small chocolate roll on it. This is not a budget restaurant, but if you want to spoil yourself, or somebody, then this is a real treat. Thank you for a truly excellent dining experience, and one I shall remember for a long time.

Companion23838930429

23 July 2025

Relaxed and welcoming Lovely relaxed atmosphere, our dogs were made very welcome, and we had a delicious meal. Went way beyond expectations. Thank you. We will be back.

BMR2013

13 June 2025

Great restaurant thoroughly recommend! What a lovely meal we’ve had! 4 of us down here for show at The Stag and luckily chose your restaurant for our meal prior to seeing band. All had different meals & really enjoyed our food & diverse drinks menu. Food was fantastic quality & various servers assisted us - all were so polite friendly & knowledgable. We felt really relaxed & welcomed. Wish you were nearer to where we live! Would thoroughly recommend visiting this restaurant.

DavidWooding

7 June 2025

Top quality An excellent restaurant just off the high street, where you can get a wide selection of food in a bright, airy atmosphere. I went for a traditional roast beef Sunday lunch, while my wife opted for a risotto. All good quality, generous portions and good, friendly service, if a tad on the pricey side. Good for families, too with high chairs provided. It’s dog friendly and there’s a few vegan options.

752westie

29 May 2025

We will be back We visited early evening after a walk in Knole Park. Food was excellent with a good choice form the fixed price as normal menu. Service was excellent. Value for money was good and portion sizes just right. Ambiance just right.