A new steakhouse opening today says it will be bringing "a taste of London" to a Kent village.

Bleú 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.

Owner Tariq Ahmed, who owns the Jumeria Indian takeaway a stone's throw away from Bleú 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.

"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.

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.