Town hall reborn as African eaterie

Bush Baby and I, a South African themed restaurant, officially opened its doors last Wednesday, but had attracted lots of interest even before then.

Owner Joan Armstrong said while she was fitting out her new venture, around 20 customers came in thinking she was already open for business.

She said: "I didn't want to turn them away but all I could offer them was coffee."

Mrs Armstrong, originally from South Africa, has lived in Westbury with her British husband Nigel and their two children for two years.

If the family are ever feeling nostalgic, the restaurant's South African theme and atmosphere will give them a welcome reminder of home.

Ninety per cent of the restaurant's beer, wine and cider is sourced from the African nation.

Mrs Armstrong said: "I'm really excited about it. It's something I've wanted to do since I came here.

"I realised there was nowhere in Westbury to sit down and have a milkshake, so I thought why not start something myself."

Residents have already shown support for the new restaurant and Mrs Armstrong said she has learnt a lot about the local area.

"People have been really supportive and they wanted to tell me about the town hall's history," she said.

The daytime coffee shop is open from 9am to 5pm but will be transformed into a restaurant between 7pm and 10.30pm on Fridays and Saturdays.

Rosette-rated chef Paul Christy, from Trowbridge, will put together the evening menu.

Colin Scragg, from Trowbridge agents Brian Fitchett Commercial, said: "It will certainly add a different dimension to the Market Place.

"With items on the menu like boerwors (South African sausage) and monkey gland sauce it's sure to create a lot of interest and provide a welcome place for Mrs Armstrong to exchange stories with customers about South Africa and the town hall's varied past."

Mrs Armstrong reassures customers that monkey gland sauce has nothing to do with monkeys or glands, but is a sweet and sour traditional sauce.