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Buenos Aires Nights steakhouse announces plans to take over former Subway shop in Mercery Lane, Canterbury

Plans for a new steakhouse in the heart of a city centre have been unveiled.

Buenos Aires Nights, an Argentine-inspired restaurant, has confirmed it hopes to move into a shop a stone’s throw from Canterbury Cathedral.

Buenos Aires Nights is set to open in an empty unit in Mercery Lane, Canterbury, where the chain Subway used to operate
Buenos Aires Nights is set to open in an empty unit in Mercery Lane, Canterbury, where the chain Subway used to operate

The potential arrival of the eatery in a former Subway branch would be the third outing for the restaurant in the county with sites currently open in Maidstone and Ashford.

Buenos Aires Nights boss Linda Pontoreiro told KentOnline of her excitement about the project, calling Canterbury a “truly special city”.

Linda, originally from Argentina, said: “This project is an exciting opportunity for Canterbury to continue its growth and provide even more appeal to both residents and visitors.

“It's an investment in the future of the city and its people, bringing about positive change and prosperity.

Buenos Aires Nights boss Linda Pontoreiro
Buenos Aires Nights boss Linda Pontoreiro

“The improvements and developments proposed will create new opportunities for employment, both during the construction phase and afterwards.

“This will help stimulate the local economy and provide job prospects for Canterbury's residents.

“As online shopping continues to impact traditional retail, introducing a restaurant will provide an immersive dining experience, catering to the entertainment needs of the community.”

If approved, it is hoped the new business could open its doors by early next year.

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.

The interior of the Maidstone steakhouse. Picture: Buenos Aires Nights
The interior of the Maidstone steakhouse. Picture: Buenos Aires Nights

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.

Proposed alterations to the listed building include the installation of an extraction duct and commercial kitchen alongside roof repairs, floor enhancements and cosmetic work.

The news will prove popular to foodies after the loss of a steakhouse in the city earlier this year.

The company’s Maidstone restaurant Pic: Buenos Aires Nights
The company’s Maidstone restaurant Pic: Buenos Aires Nights

Known for its £56 chocolate-fed cuts of meat, Herd was forced to shut up shop after little more than a year in Canterbury High Street blaming the effects of the cost-of-living crisis.

When KentOnline reviewed the steakhouse last year, our reporter admitted that while she enjoyed her food, she felt “shame-faced” at spending as much as she did on a meal for one.

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