A new Greek and Mediterranean eatery is to replace a burger restaurant in the heart of Tenterden high street.
Hoof & Hook opened just weeks before Christmas in December 2020.
However, the meat and seafood diner closed suddenly in February this year – with bosses declaring on social media it was due to “unforeseen circumstances beyond our control” caused by “essential works”.
The unit – between Nationwide and Webbs and opposite St Mildred’s Church – has remained vacant ever since.
However, six months on and ‘Anasa’ is to fill the town centre premises.
Work on the restaurant is already underway ahead of its makeover, with scaffolding currently erected outside the property.
Bosses failed to provide an exact opening date to KentOnline, but it is understood the restaurant, which means ‘breathe’ in Greek, will be trading during September.
They are currently advertising for several positions ahead of the site’s authentic and casual dining launch.
The announcement has already been met with excitement by several Tenterden residents.
One, John Scarrot, said: “Absolutely fantastic news – good luck with it, can’t wait to come in.”
Another, Karen Burgess, added: “There’s not a single place in town that does lactose and gluten-free vegetarian, so I’m keeping fingers crossed for this one.”
Tenterden’s Eight Bells pub called last orders after hundreds of years at the unit in 2007.
The premises then became Café Rouge later that year, where it remained for 12 years until the French-styled restaurant chain left Tenterden in October 2019.
It was then transformed into Hoof & Hook barely a year later.
Resident Kate Walder, who last week announced she is stepping down from her role as ABC councillor for Rolvenden and Tenterden West to focus on her health, says Anasa will only add to the town’s growing popularity.
She said: “I like Greek food, so I’m very excited about it and am looking forward to going. As a resident, I just think bring it on.
“Opening any business is really hard, so how could you be negative about a restaurant opening?
“Tenterden is big enough to have something of everything and when you go at the weekend it’s packed.
“The new restaurant will be in a good spot and I think it will add to what we already have – which is a really good high street success story.”
Its arrival will come just weeks after Tenterden’s only convenience store started trading further along the high street.
Premier opened its doors on Friday morning (August 15) at the former Antiques Centre unit.
Elsewhere, services at St Mildred’s Church took place for the first time since January.
The latest stage of the historic church’s refurbishment saw it reopen following the latest phase of its £2.2 million overhaul, which included the installation of new stone flooring to replace its former parquet design.
