Kings Langley is set for a brand new bistro named after the owner’s daughter.

Matilda’s will be the newest eatery in the high street, serving New York-style deli foods and meals made freshly on site in what was formerly The Lunch Box.

Owner Sam Cowham said he is excited ahead of the planned June 1 launch date, as the shopfront is already finished and the interior will be completed next week.

“I’m looking forward to it,” he said. “The thing we’ve got on our side is that me and my wife know a lot of people in the village so we’ve had a lot of interest, which is exciting.”

Watford Observer: Matilda's is due to open on June 2 in the High Street, Kings Langley.Matilda's is due to open on June 2 in the High Street, Kings Langley. (Image: Sam Cowham)

There have already been discussions online as residents wondered what the business will be, with Sam saying has had "people messaging me non-stop everyday".

The 38-year-old has worked in hospitality for 22 years and ran his own catering business for the past five, but this is the first time he will own a brick-and-mortar eatery.

The Kings Langley local lives opposite the unit with his wife Hannah, 35, and daughter Matilda, 4, who is “really excited” to have the eatery named after her.

Watford Observer: Owner Sam Cowham named his new bistro after his four-year-old daughter, Matilda.Owner Sam Cowham named his new bistro after his four-year-old daughter, Matilda. (Image: Sam Cowham)

The menu is expected to feature deli-style foods such breaded chicken parmesan sandwiches and 10-hour smoked pastrami, which will be made in-house, as well as healthy poke bowls made with raw tuna or salmon.

The unit was formerly home to The Lunch Box sandwich shop which closed in December after four years citing the opening of the bakery chain Wenzels in the village as well as changes to trade post-pandemic.

Sam said he knows former Lunch Box owner Matt “really well” and spoke to him before he contacted the estate agents about taking on the unit.

But the business owner is hopeful for the new bistro’s prospects: “I think there’s a lot of potential in the village and there’s a good clientele.

“You want to be different and if you provide a good product at a reasonable price, then people are going to come in.”

There will be chairs and tables on the ground-floor at first, with plans to convert the upstairs level for a total capacity of 50 people eventually. 

He is also looking to provide the seating on the front patio for summer and extend the eatery’s hours into evening and serve alcohol, depending on what licence he is issued.