Revamped restaurant is a 'dream come true'

THE owner of a revamped Plymouth food outlet says his lifelong dream has come true after it celebrated a busy first day's trade.

- WILLIAM TELFORD

Ervis Balaj, who has worked in the hospitality industry since he was a teenager in his native Albania, has reopened the Salt and Pepper Kitchen, in Bretonside, with a special welcome for bookworms.

Mr Balaj bought the business, on the corner of High Street and Buckwell Street, when the previous owners decided to move on. He has invested in a new bar/counter, kitchen equipment, decor and furniture, spending about £30,000 for a month-long refit, and introduced a "snug corner" where customers can relax and enjoy a book.

Mr Balaj has also kept much of the menu that made Salt and Pepper Kitchen popular under previous owners, but has added a range of paninis - which were certainly drawing customers on the establishment's first day of trading. He said: "This has been my dream. I'm a people person and love serving good food. And it's been busy today."