A new Italian restaurant, Sul-Mare, has experienced overwhelming interest since its trial opening on January 2, 2023, in a transformed location that was previously home to the Galley Fisheries chip shop. Owner Al Jabir Miah reported a bustling atmosphere during the first few weeks of operation, which he attributes to the positive reception from the local community in Leysdown Road, Sheppey.
Miah, who has over 26 years of experience in the hospitality industry, expressed surprise at the strong turnout during the typically quieter month of January. He stated, “We opened in January to give the staff some time to get up to my standards, but it’s been super busy already.” The restaurant’s grand opening took place on the evening of February 1, 2023, where around 40 guests, including local councillors and the Mayor of Swale, Cllr Karen Watson, celebrated the launch.
The owner emphasized the importance of community support, saying, “The response we got from everyone is amazing, really. Throughout the year, people have seen progress happening.” Despite facing personal challenges during the renovation process, Miah is grateful for the outcome. He noted, “I’m really glad that we’re open. Everyone we invited is here, and they’re enjoying the food.”
The restaurant, which underwent a £200,000 refurbishment, has employed nine staff members, including head chef Mario Iovino, who hails from Naples, Italy. The menu features a selection of seafood, pastas, and pizzas, aiming to provide a welcoming environment for families to enjoy quality meals together.
Alona Gorbunova, Miah’s wife, highlighted the warm reception from the Sheppey community, stating, “We have been so warmly welcomed onto Sheppey, and this is our way of giving back.” She noted that the busy trial period exceeded their expectations, particularly for a January opening.
Before launching Sul-Mare, Miah was known for managing The Dining Room on Sheppey and has a successful history of helping other establishments flourish, including transforming The Pavilion into an award-winning Indian fine dining restaurant.
As the summer season approaches, Miah is optimistic about the restaurant’s potential to attract holidaymakers to the seaside village. He humorously admitted uncertainty about how the restaurant would manage increased demand when tourists arrive, but he remains confident in the team’s capabilities.
With the community’s backing and a focus on quality dining experiences, Sul-Mare is poised to become a staple in Leysdown Road, offering delightful Italian cuisine to both locals and visitors alike.
