A COUPLE have decided to take the plunge and develop the “non-existent food scene” in their town.

Harry McGann, 33, from Brighton has set up a new burger joint with his partner Carly Musgrove, 33.

And customers have shown a positive response so far.

The two live in Telscombe Cliffs, Peacehaven, with their seven-month-old baby Isabella, and their two spaniels, Honey and Harvey.

Their new restaurant, Burger and Bird just opened in nearby 205 South Coast Road.

Harry said: “There just aren’t really many food places in Peacehaven apart from a few takeaways.

“There certainly aren’t any family restaurants and we wanted to change that. The idea has been there for a while but we just thought we would go for it because people have to keep going into Brighton for something different because there is so little in the area.”

He also feels the new restaurant will help the town become more sustainable.

He said: “The place used to be an old pub that hired very few people. But with this business we are helping create more jobs. At the moment we have nearly 25 members of staff.”

Harry, who has worked in hospitality since he was 18 is the head chef. Carly runs the front of house team and the admin of the business. The menu boasts a variety of freshly grilled beef, chicken and vegan burgers.

He said: “We have specials each week where there will be a different burger option, and the food is suited to people who have different dietary requirements such as gluten-free or vegan.”

One of the plant-based burgers is made up of pulled jack fruit, a popular non-meat alternative, with vegan cheese and vegan coleslaw. They also allow you to “build your own burger” and offer other options on the menu including steaks and grilled salmon. The new foodie spot can hold up to 85 guests and another 70 can fit outside in their back and front gardens.

Harry said: “It’s great for people who might be commuting to and from Brighton along that road because we are just off it. We have a car park and there’s a public one nearby so people can easily pop in for some dinner on their way home.”

The couple have also developed the upstairs of their restaurant which will shortly become the Greenwich Rooms, an Airbnb sleeping up to 16 people. Harry said works should be finished in the next three weeks and it will soon be up for renting.