'We're trying to get it back to its former glory' - Childhood pals set to bring their passion for street food to Newport's newest takeaway

Renovation work is currently underway at the shop on St Mary's Street in Newport, which is set to become the new Beat Street Cafe on September 22.

Shropshire lads Dave Beattie and Steve Drinkwater, affectionately known as "Fat Boy and The Beard", say the new business will bring a range of street-food fusion from around the world to the streets of the Shropshire market town.

The duo moved in their new premises last month after long-time town favourite Wok n Roll closed down in July, and with a full renovation now underway, they say they've already been bowled over by the response from the town as they get ready to open.

"The reaction we've had from Newport already has been unreal and it's been really unexpected. Word gets around!" said co-owner Dave Beattie.

"We're bumping into people and they already know our names because they've seen it on Facebook, which is a bit bizarre, but people are very excited about it which is great for us obviously.

"If you go to a street food market you have all sorts of vendors with different types of food - we're doing that but as a delivery business. When you look at the menu each style of food has its own brand identity, and that's the plan. Some of it's morning, some of them will be for lunchtime, some for evening."

The business will be a labour of love for the duo, who say the time has come for their street-food idea, which they've been planning for "years and years".

They say the new menu is set to feature a vibrant mix of flavors, including jerk chicken, juicy gourmet burgers, and classic Chinese flavours, with the final touches now being added to the renovated shop unit ahead of opening day.

"We're trying to get it back to its former glory," said fellow co-owner Steve Drinkwater.

"We're stripping it back and starting again, that way we know it's perfect. We'll have all new equipment and the place will all be decorated out in a contemporary style so we know it's right.

"We've been talking about doing this for a long time, we're both at that stage of life now where it's a bit 'now or never'. It just all came together really quickly, with the shop becoming available it just fell nicely and it feels like now's the time to do it. If you don't take these chances, you never know, do you?

"Newport has been screaming out for something like this which is a bit different and which will be quality. It's what we enjoy cooking and eating and when you've got a passion for something, you make sure it's right."