Restaurant bosses are aiming to bring a “unique dining experience” to the heart of the city in the shape of a new Argentinian steakhouse.

Buenos Aires Nights is set to launch its third restaurant a stone’s throw away from Canterbury Cathedral inside a former Subway branch.

The eatery in Mercery Lane will join its “well-established” branches in Ashford and Maidstone and offer Argentinian steaks and wines alongside traditional dishes.

Boss Linda Pontoreiro, who is from the South American country, hopes to open the new business next month.

She said: “I believe Canterbury would greatly benefit from a unique dining experience like ours.

“Currently, the city does not have an authentic Argentinian steakhouse and we are excited to bring our offering to Kent's historic heart.

“My goal is to continue growing the Buenos Aires Nights brand across the county, and Canterbury feels like a perfect fit.”

Specialising in Latino-American cuisine, on the menu are Argentinian-sourced cuts of meat such as chorizo sausage and ribeye steaks alongside more modern choices like vegan burgers and pasta.

Ms Pontoreiro is waiting for the city council to approve her licensing application – which reveals the restaurant’s proposed opening hours of 11am to 10.30pm all-week.

She hopes to launch the restaurant next month but says this “depends on the council’s approval process”.

“Once open, Buenos Aires Nights will bring something fresh to Canterbury, offering top-quality Argentinian steaks, wines from Argentina, and traditional dishes in a warm, welcoming environment,” she added.

“We also host wine-tasting events, and I am passionate about not only bringing the best of Argentina to Kent but also embracing local products.

“Recently, we added Balfour Winery from Tonbridge to our wine list, and I’m excited to promote their exceptional products and vineyard tours.

“I also expect to create new job opportunities, though exact staff numbers will depend on our final opening timeline.

“I genuinely hope the council will support this project and help us bring our vision to life.”

Plans first came to light for the new Canterbury restaurant in 2023.

The Maidstone branch has been a staple in the town centre since it first opened in 2009, with a four-star rating on Tripadvisor with more than half of reviews calling the restaurant “excellent”.

Meanwhile, the Ashford site has been trading since summer 2020 and currently holds four-and-a-half-stars.