On the road with …

We were super excited to dine recently at Franc, which only opened in early September, and is already garnering rave reviews (“the feel of a neighbourhood bistro and a menu so classic, you could be in Paris”, so says The Good Food Guide). When you learn that it is the much-anticipated new venture from the couple behind The Folkstone Wine Company, the praise and fan-base make perfect sense. When Polly and her partner, chef Dave Hart, closed those doors in May of this year, after eight successful years trading, it was to the dismay of its legion of foodie fans, who would pilgrimage from far and wide to sample his cooking. With more than 60 years’ experience in hospitality between them (Dave previously cooked at the renowned Sportsman in Seasalter, and Polly was a familiar face at our local culinary institution, The Goods Shed) the pair were unlikely to hang up their aprons just yet and hinted they had plans afoot for a new location. Happily for Canterbury, they chose their hometown and secured a lease in part of the Tudor Gatehouse of the St John’s Hospital almshouses. Founded in 1085 by the first Norman Archbishop of Canterbury, Lanfranc (in whose honour we assume they have named their restaurant), these are not only the oldest almshouses in England but are remarkably still in use today to help house Canterbury’s homeless. Fast forward 940 years to Franc, with its focus on simple, seasonal food and beautiful wines, all with a French accent, which feels like it has found its true home. Read on to meet Polly and learn about some of her travel experiences, when she manages to leave the restaurant!

What brings you to Canterbury?
It’s my home! I have lived here for the last 14 years.

Where did you go on your last journey?
The Pyrenees. We drove to Perpignan in June this year. A lovely road trip, as a sort of sabbatical, having closed The Folkstone Wine Company, before coming back to open Franc.

What is your preferred mode of transport?
My legs! I love that I can walk to work now.

Home or away? Why?
Definitely home! When we had the Folkstone Wine Company, I commuted every day and do not miss that journey (see below!)

Tell us about your worst journey.
November 2021, driving to Folkstone on the A2 in the hail and snow of Storm Arwen. We were involved in a huge pile-up and narrowly avoided demolishing the car in front (and its driver) thanks to Dave’s driving skills. Our poor daughter, Tallulah, got a call from the police at 8am asking if she could come and pick us up.  They allowed her to drive down the carriageway, which has been completely closed off, still in her pyjamas, and take us to work. We still managed to make the lunch service, all somewhat in shock.

If you could travel anywhere at any time… where and when?
It would be to St Paul de Vence, near Nice. My father (the actor Donald Pleasance) lived and died there, and it is where I have visited and holidayed all my life. Specifically, the Colombe d’Or hotel.

What essentials do you always travel with to ease your journey?
Nuxe face cream.

What is your favourite travel song?
She’ll be coming round the mountain when she comes. A little in joke of ours!

Where is the strangest place you have slept on your travels.
In a cave at Chefchaouen, near Tangiers, Morocco.

Who is/would be your ideal travel companion?
Dave. (Hart)

Describe the best/most unusual meal you have eaten whilst travelling.
The best in recent memory was at the Waterside Inn, Bray. It has a setting to die for; an exemplary glass of Sauternes in hand, eating lobster whilst watching the swans glide by. Pure perfection.

Franc, Canterbury