A new Kent restaurant launched by a celebrity chef has become the latest in the county to be added to the Michelin Guide.

The Brasserie MS in Folkestone joins the likes of The Sportsman, near Whitstable, Stark in Broadstairs and Sargasso in Margate to be recommended by the respected publication.

KentOnline reported last year how ex-Rocksalt head chef Mark Sargeant was opening the new venture at the former premises of the Italian restaurant Tavernetta, which had been a fixture in the town since 1965.

A former protege of Gordon Ramsay, Mr Sargeant was the figurehead of a Kentish culinary empire that included Rocksalt on Folkestone harbour as well as Wife of Bath in Wye and The Duke William in Ickham.

But that ended in October 2021, when he announced he would be stepping away from his restaurant and pub empire, citing “unresolvable differences” with his business partner, Josh De Haan.

He launched The Brasserie MS in Clifton Gardens at the end of last summer.

And in less than six months it has already made a name for itself and gained recognition from the experts at the Michelin Guide.

In the entry for The Brasserie MS, the guide says: "This stylish brasserie comes with striking black and white photos and a subtle art deco feel.

"Experienced local chef-owner Mark Sargeant offers an appealing menu of refined, flavourful French classics, including some to share, such as entrecôte of beef, or tarte Tatin.

"For a treat book the chef's table for six and sit right in front of the chefs as they work."

And it seems diners from across Kent have been impressed by what's on offer.

The Brasserie MS has a five-star rating on Tripadvisor with 88 out of 99 reviewers describing their experience as "excellent".

Ahead of its opening last year, a spokesman for the project said: “Mark has always believed in serving classic dishes that diners love, sourcing the very best ingredients and preparing them so that they are as good as they can possibly be.

“As such, Mark is going back to his roots, offering classical French cuisine at Brasserie MS, a speciality that he cut his teeth on in the formative years of his career.

“Mark will be bringing some reimagined classic dishes back, alongside more contemporary ideas.”

The "kitchen table" in the heart of the venue allows up to eight guests to experience a “fully-immersive experience” while enjoying an eight to 10-course tasting menu.

As well as appearing in the guide, some restaurants in Kent have also received a Michelin star.

These are Hide and Fox in Saltwood, the Bridge Arms in Bridge, the Fordwich Arms in Canterbury, The Sportsman and Stark.

Others have received a Bib Gourmand for "good quality, good value cooking". They are Swan Wine Kitchen in Tenterden, Kentish Hare in Bidborough and Sargasso.