Around 100 people attended the official launch party for Maidstone’s newest restaurant last night.

The Curious Eatery is run by sisters Nicole and Lesley Parry and is housed within the former Albion Inn in Church Street, Boughton Monchelsea.

Both trained at Cordon Bleu’s Silwood School of Cookery in South Africa and Nicole was once head chef on Richard Branson’s private yacht.

The tycoon sent a video message to the sisters wishing them well on their big day.

The opening was conducted by artist Graham Clarke, who lives in the village, and who had the sisters and their guests singing along to a celebratory song he had written to mark the occasion.

For further details, visit www.thecuriouseatery.co.uk

Bookings to 01622 299359