A new steak, lobster and burger restaurant is set to open once Covid-19 restrictions on hospitality venues are lifted.

SLAB Margate, which stands for steak, lobster and burger, will open 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, have been working together on the project since the end of last year and had hoped to launch the business for the busy season this spring.

Mr Hicks had already started advertising for staff and executive chef Stephen Gadd is designing the menu.

Once the government deems it safe to open bars and restaurants to the public, they will open the doors.

"I've been in Margate for more than 30 years and I have a soft spot for the place," Mr Hicks said.

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

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

"Lobster is indulgent, but this is going to be an affordable place offering affordable luxury."

Mr Balman, who has been working on the renovation single-handedly since lockdown, says it is a great spot, which gets the afternoon sun.

“People look for that in the summer, somewhere to eat where there is still some sunshine,” he said.

The builder, who specialises in designing, upcycling and creating furniture and furnishings with a steam punk theme, started renovating SLAB in December.

“It has a mild steam punk theme although it’s more upmarket and I suppose some would say it has an industrial look, which is quite in at the moment," he said.

“Mark knows my style and this has been incorporated with the kind of look he wanted.

“The project has involved lots of upcycling, too, which is a nice feature, and I think people will like that."

As well as steak, lobster and burgers, the restaurant will serve vegetarian dishes including chargrilled cauliflower, fava beans, herbs and tahini dressing with flatbread supplied by local baker Mr Gadd.

Another dish will be sourdough with goat’s cheese, toasted walnuts, drizzled with Kentish honey and topped with rocket.

For updates see www.facebook.com/SLAB-Margate-106692857547802/

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