Kentish produce and warm rustic charm on offer at The Cow Shed restaurant in Birchington

The Cow Shed opens on February 15

It has taken more than 6 months hard graft and a massive £100,000 investment but Birchington’s newest restaurant is now ready to open its doors.

The Cow Shed, in The Square, officially opens on Thursday, February 15 at 5pm but The Isle of Thanet News was lucky enough to join a preview evening last night (February 8).

The restaurant is owned by James and Anna Connolly who have moved to the village with their two children to launch their latest venture.

The couple have been running The Cow Shed in Herne Bay for some four years and say Thanet is the perfect area for their second restaurant.

The former Thai House has been completely transformed with wooden flooring and wall panelling, hi spec kitchen equipment and charmingly rustic furniture and finishing touches with Cow Shed branding.

Anna said: “We had to remove everything that was here then rewired and refitted it.  In around June we got the lease and have been working since then to get it finished.

“We had a look at a place for sale here about 10 years ago and really liked the area so we are glad we have now been able to come here. Thanet is lovely and so are the people.

“We use Kentish produce and local suppliers. Everything here is made from scratch so nothing is brought in, including the burgers where we get whole cuts and then mince and use our own special seasoning and then make them several times a week. We are known for our steaks which we get locally and are 28 days matured on the bone so it is nice and tender. We do fillet, rib-eye. T bone, rump, everything.

“We have worked with our head chef Dan Matharu for over three years now and he has helped put our team together here. Our staff are like a big family, service is really important to us.”

The Cow Shed is currently employing five front of house staff and three chefs plus kitchen porters.

The menu also offers a range of fish, meats, chicken and duck as well as cheeses and an antipasti platter.

Find out more on The Cow Shed facebook page here