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From the
https://www.kentonline.co.uk By Sean McPolin, 16 August 2022.
Bleś Steakhouse opens in Staplehurst High Street and aims to bring
'a taste of London to Kent'
A new steakhouse opening today says it will be bringing "a taste of
London" to a Kent village.
Bleś Steakhouse is welcoming customers to its new restaurant in
Staplehurst High Street and promises to offer diners a premium
experience you'd get get in Mayfair or Park Lane.
Bleś Steakhouse in High Street, Staplehurst, opens today.
Owner Tariq Ahmed, who owns the Jumeria Indian takeaway a stone's
throw away from Bleś and another takeaway in Wadhurst, says he wants
to take over the county's food scene.
The 42-year-old bought the site two years ago but delayed the
opening due to the coronavirus pandemic and numerous lockdowns, but
thinks now is the perfect time to open.
Covered in black and golden balloons outside and with a smart,
sleek, blue interior the restaurant offers a different option to the
pubs and takeaways in the village.
It will seat 56 people, employ 12 members of staff and be ran by
Tariq's brother Jamil.
Tariq, who also owns businesses in Surrey, wants to offer people in
the village a taste of the capital's finest steakhouses by bringing
London to Kent.
Owner Tariq Ahmed, second right, and his brother Jamil, third right,
outside Bleś Steakhouse in Staplehurst High Street.
Members of the public and councillors visited Bleś Steakhouse in
Staplehurst High Street for a soft launch opening on Monday.
"I've always dreamt about opening my own steakhouse here," he said.
"It's been really popular with people in the village – they're crazy
about it. We're fully booked for two weeks already.
"I'm not going to stop opening restaurants in the county – my hobby
is food places, I love it."
The entrepreneur is looking to move to the village in the coming
year and has his eyes set on 100-seater steakhouse in the heart of
Maidstone.
Tariq opened the Jumeria eatery near Staplehurst shops in 2013, and
opened a similar Indian takeaway in Wadhurst last year.
The eatery can hold 56 people at a time and will employ 12 people.
Bleś Steakhouse is hoping to bring a "taste of London" to Kent.
The venue is a stones throw away from owner Tariq Ahmed's other
restaurant.
He's hoping to expand the Jumeria brand across the Weald and
revealed he's eyeing Marden as a possible location.
Speaking about his passion for the food industry, which saw him open
his first business nearly 20 years ago, Tariq said hearing
complements from customers is what makes him love the job.
Currently boasting a portfolio of six businesses, he said: "It makes
me feel good to hear them come in and praise the restaurant, whether
it be the food, cleanliness or the staff.
"We chose this area as we've been here for nearly 10 years with
Jumeria and the village needs more options like this.
"There are a lot of pubs which do steaks, but not premium, next
level food like we're offering.
"So many people go to London to get these steaks, so instead we're
bringing London to them."
Last night around 60 people including councillors and people from
the local community enjoyed a soft launch of the restaurant.
You can view the menu here. (www.bleusteakhouse.co.uk)
The most expensive steak at the restaurant is a Blue 24k Golden
Rib-eye for £59.95. |
