The owner of Trowbridge’s new street food restaurant and takeaway has praised the “overwhelming’ support from the local community for his new venture.

Lewis Farquharson, who opened a new LJ Hugs outlet on Saturday (November 23), says his team has been really busy every day since.

“The community has really come out to support us”, he said. “It has been a great baptism by fire.

“We had a soft opening on Thursday and a grand opening on Saturday with just over 400 people through the door.

“The support from the local community has been overwhelming.

“It is still the first week and we’re still in the honeymoon period but we will gauge it over the next few weeks and see where it takes us.”

Lewis Farquharson, founder of LJ Hugs, in the new Trowbridge restaurant and takeaway.Lewis Farquharson, founder of LJ Hugs, in the new Trowbridge restaurant and takeaway. (Image: Lewis Farquharson)

The new restaurant and takeaway on the corner of Bythesea Road and Stallard Street is opposite the approach to Trowbridge railway station.

LJ Hugs – the LJ stands for Lord Jesus - has introduced a new menu with Cajun and Creole grilled chicken and beef, wraps and burgers.

Lunch time deals each day include Saturdays, school children’s meal deals from  3pm-5pm, blue light discounts and much more.

Mr Farquharson, 41, who lives in Trowbridge, added: “A lot of hard work, grit, blood sweat and tears has gone into it but we are now ready to serve our community.

“We have made this space a nice space for you to come and chill and enjoy the LJ soul. We have got over 30 seats in here for you to come with your family.

“Uber Eats will go live this week for all your takeaway needs and last but not least, thank you to everyone that turned up Saturday in the rain and wind to welcome us to Trowbridge!

“It was a full house all day and everyone was so kind, the atmosphere was amazing and the food was flying out.”

Lewis Farquharson, owner of LJ Hugs in Trowbridge, says they have been 'overwhelmed' by the support of the local community.Lewis Farquharson, owner of LJ Hugs in Trowbridge, says they have been 'overwhelmed' by the support of the local community. (Image: Lewis Farquharson)

The restaurant and takeaway is being managed by Pedro Inacio and is open from 11am-9pm ( Monday to Saturday (Sundays closed).

The award-winning street food company is already well-known for its pop-up marquee on the Bog Island in Bath.

LJ Hugs also operates a kiosk with outdoor seating at the Cabot Circus shopping centre in Broadmead, Bristol, and a cargo unit at the Lakota Nightclub and Gardens in the St Paul’s area of Bristol.