Steakhouse to open as empty unit snapped up

A new steakhouse is to open in the town centre - just months after Miller & Carter pulled out of an Ashford site.

Buenos Aires Nights Steakhouse has snapped up a unit in North Street which previously housed the Cafe de Paris.

The move will be the first expansion for the firm, which currently has one restaurant in Maidstone.

Owner Linda Pontoriero confirmed that, upon its launch at the beginning of April, 10 staff will be employed from around the Ashford area.

Her venture looks set to fill the void left by the Miller & Carter steakhouse branch in Kennington, which had been expected to open on scrubland off the A28 before the deal fell through last year.

Ms Pontoriero said: “We give people a happy, enjoyable atmosphere with great food and service, where people can relax and have a dining experience more than just going to eat to a place.

“The plus is the Argentinian experience.

“We have a passion for steak and wines but it’s not all about meat - traditional Argentinian cuisine also includes very tasty plant-based dishes.

“Already people are contacting us and leaving great feedback, telling us this is what Ashford needs as there is not another like us.”

Ms Pontoriero says she is looking forward to filling the vacant unit, which has sat empty since Cafe De Paris closed in June.

She added: “We’re very excited to be opening in Ashford.

“Ashford is a historic place with lovely architecture and it also has great transport links.

“High streets have been suffering all over the country, but opening the restaurant will help bring people back into the town centre and this is what Ashford Borough Council (ABC) is trying to do.

“I want to be part of this great Ashford regeneration and help the council with its plans.”

The 50-seat restaurant will offer tasting evenings with Argentinian sommeliers and music evenings.

Outdoor dining is also being promised by the owner.

Ms Pontoriero’s venture was announced in a Facebook post only a day after the Macknade restaurant and food shop opened to the public at Elwick Place.

The company announced in June it would be coming to the £75m leisure complex development, having run a shop in Faversham since 1979.

One of the dishes set to be on offer and, right, how the steakhouse will look, featuring outdoor seating

The former Cafe de Paris unit in North Street, right, new owner Linda Pontoriero