The owner of a coffee shop which has opened inside a former tanning salon says he will “bring something new to the town”.

Bilal Ahmad welcomed his first customers to Espresso Lounge in Middle Row, Ashford, at the weekend.

The 37-year-old told of how his family inspired him to take the plunge and open the business adding that Ashford is his hometown so opening anywhere else was out of the question.

“I have lived here my whole life so I couldn’t go anywhere else,” he said.

“It’s a family business and a lot of my family have coffee shops in London which have been really successful.

“My mum’s and my dad’s side of the family both have branches all over London. One is right next to an underground station and there are always queues out the door – it’s mad.

“They open really early in the morning until really late because of how popular they are.

“I grew up working in their businesses and it’s something I always wanted to do – watching my uncles making coffee inspired me.”

Mr Ahmad says he hopes to offer something different in the town, adding his choice of coffee beans will be a huge hit with lovers of the caffeine-filled beverage.

He said: “It’s something different and the coffee is sourced locally in Kent. They’re called Moresso and the owners travel around the equator sourcing coffee beans from all over. They then mix the beans so they have their own signature blend and it’s really nice.

“They mix Brazillian beans with Ethiopian beans and Arabian beans – it’ll be a massive hit with coffee lovers, you can taste the difference.

“Ashford hasn’t got anywhere where you can get bagels so that’s how we’ll be different.

“People who take risks will succeed so I just wanted to give it a go – you never know until you take the challenge.”

Selling freshly made paninis and bagels, Espresso Lounge will be open for seven days a week.

The site is a rustic and retro look and Mr Ahmad says if this shop is successful, he hopes to open in Canterbury but this will have a completely different appearance.

It replaces Solaire, a sunbed shop which opened last year.