A popular Greek restaurant has launched a second branch in Bury St Edmunds, promising "classic, simple, great food".

The Olive Grove opened its doors to customers in the former site of Jaeger in St John's Street on Monday, September 26.

East Anglian Daily Times: The Olive Grove opened its doors to customers in the former site of Jaeger in St John's Street on Monday, September 26.The Olive Grove opened its doors to customers in the former site of Jaeger in St John's Street on Monday, September 26. (Image: Francesca Behjat)

Joint owners and couple, George Kontakos, 38, and Francesca Behjat, 39, established their first award-winning branch of The Olive Grove in Cambridge.

The restaurant was voted the best Mediterranean restaurant in England in 2019 and was a finalist for the best restaurant in Cambridge in both 2017 and 2018.

East Anglian Daily Times: The restaurant was voted best Mediterranean restaurant in England in 2019 and was a finalist for the best restaurant in Cambridge in both 2017 and 2018.The restaurant was voted best Mediterranean restaurant in England in 2019 and was a finalist for the best restaurant in Cambridge in both 2017 and 2018. (Image: Francesca Behjat)

Francesca said running the restaurant in Cambridge for the last ten years has been "fantastic," but the couple were now ready to broaden their horizons.

She added: "We offer classic, simple, great food. We're all about completely fresh food which – though it proves to be a nightmare for our profit margin — we're hoping will dazzle the foodie capital of Suffolk."

East Anglian Daily Times: They will be changing their menus on a seasonal basis and are currently in the process of creating a range of specials for the restaurant.They will be changing their menus on a seasonal basis and are currently in the process of creating a range of specials for the restaurant. (Image: Mike Sim)

Francesca said fresh food tastes better and it also allows for small tweaks to be made to the dish to give customers a better experience.

The restaurant will be changing its menus on a seasonal basis and the couple are currently in the process of creating a range of specials for the restaurant.

East Anglian Daily Times: A popular Greek restaurant has launched its second branch in Bury St Edmunds and promises 'classic, simple, great food'.A popular Greek restaurant has launched its second branch in Bury St Edmunds and promises 'classic, simple, great food'. (Image: Gemma Wood)

"We like to see how people react to dishes," said Francesca.

"We definitely keep an eye on the comment cards we leave on the tables and social media to see how we can adjust the menu to incorporate firm favourites."

Having tried calamari from across the UK, Francesca says it is her favourite item on the menu as she believes The Olive Grove has perfected the recipe.

East Anglian Daily Times: Having tried calamari from across the UK, Francesca says it has to be her favourite item on the menu as she believes The Olive Grove has perfected the recipe.Having tried calamari from across the UK, Francesca says it has to be her favourite item on the menu as she believes The Olive Grove has perfected the recipe. (Image: Gemma Wood)

Other options on their all-day bar and grill menu include pork chops, steak, lamb shanks, pizza boats and wraps.

George and Francesca say they've been keeping an eye on Bury St Edmunds for two years and acquired the space on St John's street because it's "quiet and full of other independent businesses".

East Anglian Daily Times: The Olive Grove in Bury St Edmunds formally opened on Monday, September 26.The Olive Grove in Bury St Edmunds formally opened on Monday, September 26. (Image: Francesca Behjat)

Francesca added: "We're very grateful to our Cambridge customers for the support they've given us to get to this point.

"We're now hoping we can take care of our new customers in Bury St Edmunds in the same way."