Former Netherton steakhouse in Long Stratton to become fine dining restaurant
A former town centre steakhouse is set to be turned into a fine dining restaurant.
South Norfolk Council approved a new premises licence for Netherton House in the centre of Long Stratton at a meeting this week.
The Netherton Steakhouse, on the A140, closed down in January after more than eight years after the business became “unviable”.
However, its new owners plan to transform the building into a late-night restaurant with an entirely new offering.
The proposals were met with concern from neighbours, who took particular issue with the business planning to play music into the early hours of the morning.
However, during the meeting of council’s licensing committee, the owners agreed to scrap this idea and only play music later than 11pm on New Year’s Eve.
Sheila Skidmore, who lives close to the restaurant, said: “I already hear loud voices from the pub down the road and that can wake people up during the night.
“I hope your customers will be respectful and understand there are residents nearby.”
The new restaurant, which will serve English and French food, has been described as a fine-dining experience indoors with simple food served outside.
It is expected to sit a maximum of around 100 people across all tables and will close as late as 1.30am on Fridays and Saturdays.
During the meeting, Ms Skidmore raised concerns about the viability of the business, particularly in light of the recent closure of the steakhouse.
However, the new owners said they hoped to attract customers from outside Long Stratton and have high hopes for the success of the new restaurant.
Rolean Hadzhiyski, manager, said: “I don’t think the premises achieved its full potential while it was a steakhouse.
“We have been in the industry for more than a decade and will not make the same mistakes.”
The new licence was approved at a meeting on Monday.