A top Asian restaurant chain has announced a Kent branch will be reopening tomorrow - one of only five in England.

Yo! Sushi has changed its system at its Ashford Designer Outlet location to reduce the amount of human contact.

Having only opened last year, the famous kaiten conveyor belt has been upgraded to carry drinks and food directly from the kitchen to the customer.

The new format will require diners to photograph a QR code on the table for a digital menu through which items can be ordered.

An interactive traffic light system turns amber - alerting customers their food is on its way - and then green when the food arrives in front of them.

The belt will now physically stop at the tables, which have been separated from each other to comply with social distancing.

An updated menu will be on offer, including sushi rolls, katsu curry and gyozas, with new dishes such as tuna & avocado tartar being introduced.

How the new system will work

Delivery is also on offer through Deliveroo.

YO! CEO Richard Hodgson said: “We have really missed our guests and can’t wait to welcome them back to YO!.

"We’ve been working hard to make sure we can offer our guests the fun eating out experience YO! is known for while transforming our restaurants into safe, socially distanced environments.

"We’re excited to open our doors again and provide a really exciting, totally different dining experience.”

The other branches opening tomorrow are Cheshire Oaks, Guildford, Leeds and Newcastle Grainger Street.

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