Nando's is preparing to open a restaurant at Ashford Designer Outlet – a year after the chain said it had no plans for a branch at the centre.

The chicken giant will fill an empty unit in its extension, next to Yo! Sushi, opposite Timberland and TOG24.

The South African chain was originally banned from opening in the centre when the £90m extension was approved in 2015.

It was one of 39 businesses restricted in an agreement by Ashford Borough Council (ABC) and owners McArthurGlen in a bid to protect the town centre.

JD Wetherspoon, TGI Fridays and Gourmet Burger Kitchen were also blacklisted.

But despite the ban, plans for the restaurant were approved in March last year but the pandemic then halted progress and the company pulled the plans.

Now, signs in the window confirm the restaurant is preparing to 'open soon'.

Centre manager Peter Corr said: “We are delighted that Nando’s will be joining us at Ashford Designer Outlet, expanding the broad spectrum of restaurants we have on-site.

"We know that our guests will be thrilled by the latest addition, and we look forward to welcoming them as the restaurant opens later this summer.”

This is not the first time the list has been reviewed.

In 2019, ABC allowed US burger chain Five Guys, which was also on the banned list, to open at the site.

When ABC approved the move, it stressed its policy had been designed to ensure the whole town flourishes.

Nando's already has a restaurant in Eureka Park next to Cineworld.