A SUCCESSFUL snail farm is opening its own restaurant so people can taste its produce.

John Rowe set up snail supply company L’Escargotiere two years ago and is now supplying more than 200 restaurants across the country.

The 50-year-old said he was inspired to open his Waddington snail ranch after reading about the nutritional benefits of eating the molluscs.

Mr Rowe said: “I read a book on the nutritional benefits of snails. Not only are they a delicacy but a superfood rich in amino acids and proteins.

“They are a delicacy in a lot of countries. I have spent a lot time in Spain and Italy where there are restaurants full of people eating them.

“It’s only here people seem to be put off by them. I understand it seems strange to be eating a snail but it’s not different to eating a mussel or a prawn.

“And it’s all about how they are flavoured.

“On their own they just taste like mushrooms, but cooked in tomato or garlic they are delicious. I want to try and replicate what they have abroad, there’s definitely a market for it.

“I started developing the farm two years ago and started marketing it eight months ago. We are now the second-biggest supplier in the country.”

Following the Backridge Farm site’s initial success, Mr Rowe has announced plans to launch a restaurant of his own.

Mr Rowe said: “We have started work on the restaurant which is going to include a deli and a gin and rum bar. I am also in the process of rebuilding the farm so it will be child and disability friendly.

“The aim is to get children in on school trips so they can learn about not just the snails, but food production in general.

“There will also be a shop selling snail merchandise, and we already sell a range of cosmetics made from the snail’s slime.”

The restaurant is scheduled to open this summer. For more information, visit lescargotiere.co.uk.