BUSINESS owners are beginning upgrades and changes to their new restaurant after recently taking it over.

Ian and Vickie Birch, from High Garrett, bought the Corner Cafe in Halstead, renaming it the Torsbeanie Corner Cafe.

The couple already own the Torsbeanie Food Truck and took the keys to the cafe on January 1.

Since then, Ian has been working hard to renovate the restaurant and add in new ideas.

He said: “We have added a new coffee machine, offering a variety of drinks which has been good.

“We have also switched from a deep-fat fryer to an air fryer, as it is a healthier option, and have new ventilation coming soon too.

"We would also like to extend the opening hours to include Sundays."

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The café also hopes to host themed evenings too such as an American night and something special for Valentine’s Day.

The Torsbeanie Corner Café was also recently awarded a five start food hygiene rating following a recent inspection, which Ian said meant a lot to him.

He said: “It was great to get the five stars, we really hoped for it as we really take the standards seriously.

“People deserve to know that the place is a safe place to eat.”

On top of this, the café has also introduced its own ‘pay it forward’ scheme.

Ian said: “So there is a board on the wall as you come in so that if someone can, they buy something from the menu for a stranger.

“After that someone might come along and ask for something, and if they need to they can take that off the board for free as it is already paid for.

“It is an idea I really liked and wanted to add in.”

The response to the café under new ownership and changes has been good, with some days fully booked up.

Ian also added what life had been like managing a restaurant compared to a food truck.

He said: “It is definitely harder, but it has been going well.

“You really get to know the regulars and build relationships with people properly which is nice.

“But at the end of the day it is all a learning curve, and I think we are getting there.”