A NEW steakhouse, wine bar and café was officially opened by the mayor of Blandford.

The mayor, Councillor Hugo Mieville, did the honours at Jerry’s Steak House, Café & Wine Bar, in West Street, on August 20.

Owners, Jerry and Lauren Ward-Soylemez, were on-hand, as well as mayoress Yvonne Mieville, Cllr Nocturin Lacey-Clarke, Cllr Byron Quayle and former mayor, Cllr Peter Clark.

The brand new, family-run restaurant welcomed customers from August 23, with Jerry and Lauren aiming to make it ‘the go-to place in town’.

The menu promises dishes including locally-sourced cuts of steak cooked to order with sides including fries or chunky chips, onion rings and mushrooms; burgers, chicken or lamb sizzlers, pasta and salads; a glass of wine accompanied by a bowl of olives or a cheese platter; or simply a cup of freshly ground coffee and a slice of cake.

A number of vegetarian dishes are also available, including falafel burgers and Penne Arrabbiata, along with gluten-free options and a children’s menu.

Owner Jerry, who also owns Jerry’s Kebab Shop and is a popular figure in and around the town, said: “We are so excited to be able to offer relaxed social dining with something for everyone – perfectly-cooked steaks and burgers from 10oz upwards, light bites and a great selection of wines and beers.

“Lauren and I are so grateful to the entire team who have done a fantastic job and we can’t wait to start welcoming customers through the doors.”

The restaurant is set over three floors, with a maximum capacity of 100 seats, including some outdoor options.

The interior of Jerry’s, in Blandford

There is also a bar and a glass-fronted fridge displaying mouth-watering marbled steaks and cheeses.

Jerry carried out the majority of the renovation work himself, creating a building that aims to blend perfectly with its Georgian surroundings.

The entire Ward-Soylemez family have been involved in the setting up of the restaurant, which is also employing 18 people from the area.

Cllr Mieville added: “I was very happy to attend the official opening of Jerry’s Steakhouse for three reasons.

The mayor officially opened Jerry’s, in West Street, Blandford

“Firstly, it is great to see an empty business property in the heart of the town being positively used again. Secondly, it’s all always nice to have another restaurant in the town to give residents more choice. Thirdly, Jerry has been through a long fight with bureaucracy and officialdom in order to achieve his goal and he should be much congratulated on his determination.”

The restaurant is open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 12am and on Sundays from 10am to 10pm. Reservations can be made via the online booking system at www.jerryssteakhouse.co.uk or by calling 01258 488788.