A French bistro café is set to open in Kenilworth this month, at the site of the town's former Thornton's shop.

Having sat empty since before the pandemic, the Warwick Road unit is set to be transformed into a "modern vintage" café, serving classic French dishes for both takeaway and dining in.

Named 'Charlotte' the new eatery is being set up by chef Stuart Langdell - who used to work at The Cross - and school friend Anthony Banks, whose family have run The Manor House restaurant in Solihull for around 40 years.

Explaining the concept of the new eatery, Ant told Nub News: "It is getting there. It has been a hard project so far, but it is taking shape.

"We should have around 70 covers once it is all set up.

"It is going to be a French-inspired bistro - think croque monsieur, bourguignon and hachis parmentier [French cottage pie]. 

"Stuart, trained with Marco Pierre White, and has helped set up restaurants before. 

"We will be offering a good quality product but without adding to the price tag."

Work on site is well underway (image by James Smith)

Having received the keys in June, the duo have been busy on site over the past few weeks to convert the former shop into a café, and hope to open for the first time on September 12.

As well as redecorating, they have installed a new toilet, kitchen area and will have a 'grab and go' section selling sandwiches, quiches and pastries built near the new till area.

Charlotte - which takes its name from a similar café in Krakow, where Ant's partner is from - will also have seating booths and enough space to host around 70 dinners at a time.

"Further down the line we will be doing themed evenings around once a month," Ant added. 

"So we would have a set menu so Stuart can showcase a wider range of foods and styles than the day-to-day café style. 

"He will put his twist on things, bringing fresh, homemade and good quality food."

The unit on Warwick Road has been empty since before the pandemic (image by James Smith)

Ant said there has already been a lot of interest from locals passing by, with many pleased to see another empty unit given a new lease of life.

The team is also looking to hire around 10 new members of staff and is even hoping to open at another location once the Kenilworth site is up and running.

And with just weeks to go until the opening, Ant said he was looking forward to welcoming customers for the first time.

"We come to Kenilworth a lot and know the area really well, and knew it would be a good place to come to," he said. 

"It is really exciting at the moment. Yes there is a bit of stress in the works but there has already been a lot of positive feedback. 

"We just want to add to Kenilworth, bring our delicious food and add something different."