A new steak and lobster restaurant has finally been able to open its doors with those behind the venture calling it a "raging success" already.

SLAB Margate - which stands for steak, lobster and burger - has opened on The Parade opposite the harbour and Turner Contemporary in the former Milo café premises in Margate.

Owner Mark Hicks, who runs Woody’s bar and restaurant next door, and builder Kev Balman, of design studio Tatty n Ratty, had been working together on the project. Before the pandemic hit, they had hoped to launch the business for the busy spring season.

Now restrictions on restaurants have been lifted, the doors to the new surf and turf joint have finally been able to open, from Thursday to Sunday each week, in the afternoon and evening.

Mr Balman says it has been busy ever since the launch.

"It's been a raging success with a great menu and very clever social distancing measures," he said.

"There are adjustable social barriers which let you sit in safety and comfort.

"It's open Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the moment, but these hours will change as time goes on."

Mr Balman added: "I ate there with my wife and daughter, and my wife had a vegetarian meal - cauliflower roasted in the charcoal Harrison oven - which she said was the nicest vegetarian meal she had ever eaten.

"The staff have settled in quickly and are friendly and professional."

The menu is designed by executive chef Stephen Gadd and has a list of starters including calamari and harissa mayo, and nduja croquettas.

Mains include crab mac n' cheese, whole chargrilled lobster and fries, and pork and chorizo burger.

As well as steak, lobster and burgers, the restaurant serves vegetarian dishes.

Mr Hicks says he has lived in Margate for more than 30 years and has a soft spot for the place.

"This restaurant is just the sort of thing that will work and it's a great place for it," he said.

"There is nothing around here like this and we wanted to bring something new and exciting to the town."

SLAB Margate is open Thursday to Sunday, 12pm to 3pm and 6pm to 10.30pm.

To see the full menu click here.

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