The menu will feature a range of classic and favourite cocktails
Bar Vita will officially open to guests at the end of January.(Image: Updown Farmhouse)
An award-winning Kent restaurant and hotel is expanding its offering for customers in 2026 with the launch of a new “idyllic” cocktail bar. Updown Farmhouse, found just outside of Deal, has previously been named among the nation’s top 50 boutique hotels, known for its unique 17th century former farmstead setting.
Now owners Ruth Leigh and Oli Brown have unveiled the latest exciting feature of the farmhouse retreat, which the duo has carefully restored to offer five unique rooms, with further accommodation in The Gardener’s Cottage, Fig Tree Cottage and The Stables. Bar Vita will serve up a host of favourite cocktails when it opens to the public at the end of January.
Inspired by classic Roman cocktail bars, the new addition sits within one of the former stable blocks of Updown and can cover up to 30 guests, with a long marble bar featuring stools and banquette seating on the ground floor. Then, on the mezzanine sits a semi-private snug looking over the main seating area.
And, during the warmer summer months, there will be a large covered terrace for another 20 guests, offering striking views of the surrounding ancient woodland. Guests can choose from an array of classic cocktails and tipples, served by skilled bartenders clad in crisp cream jackets.
From ice cold martinis, fig leaf negronis and shakeratos with clementine plus grappa, to some choice wines from the Updown cellar, there is sure to be something suiting all tastes. These drinks will be accompanied by a simple snack menu including croquettes cacio e pepe, chopped liver toast, anchovy and lardo bruschetta, deep fried apple with pecorino and honey, and pizzetta bianca.
Founders Ruth and Oli said: “Bar Vita is a love letter to the country that has stolen our hearts, it’s everything we love about Rome; the bright lights that tempted us down untrodden paths to hidden gems, the simple but delicious cocktails paired with inventive snacks. It’s got the glamour of Harry’s with the charm of Bar San Callisto and an atmosphere that makes it open to all, from hotel guests to those just popping in for a drink.”
Over the past few years, the farmstead has been a real passion project for the two, having worked tirelessly to create inviting and distinctive accommodation in the Garden of England. Oli heads the food offering at Updown, putting into practice his wealth of experience from founding Brixton’s acclaimed Duck Duck Goose, time in Hong Kong running the kitchens of Swire Hotel’s first stand-alone restaurant, and with Rowley Leigh at Le Café Anglais in Bayswater.
It is not just comfortable rooms and beautiful walks the hotel has to offer either, as Updown features a heated swimming pool which is open for guests to enjoy all year round, no matter the weather. Situated on the edge of the surrounding ancient woodland, the pool offers more stunning views as you take a dip and access is included with all bookings, while the hotel is also offering a very limited number of passes to the pool for non-residents which can be booked online.
Prices at Updown Farmhouse start at £190 per night and guests are encouraged to book well in advance as demand for the hotel is said to be very high. In terms of the grub on offer, Oli crafts hyper-seasonal menus to enjoy within the conservatory restaurant, making the most of fresh, local produce.
Set Italian-leaning menus of two or three courses are available for lunch and dinner, ranging in price from £18 to £50. The owners proudly state the restaurant area has been completely transformed to be fully heated and is open all year round.
Find more information about Updown Farmhouse and full booking details here.
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