Ashford’s Chinese Elvis played to a full house when Memphis Bar and Diner opened its doors for the first time on Tuesday night.

Tang Ma underwent several costume changes as he strode around the Apsley Street pub serenading diners while they tucked into crispy duck, spring rolls and special fried rice.

Dressed first in peach trousers and a red shirt followed by one of The King’s famed jumpsuits and later a shiny top, Mr Ma belted out well-known tunes such as The Wonder of You, Teddy Bear, Suspicious Minds and even Blue Christmas.

Speaking the day after the festivities Mr Ma, who admitted to feeling a little tired, said: “I am very happy because the customers seemed to be enjoying it. I think they all like Elvis.

“I hope in the future I can get even more people to come here and see me. I will carry on working hard and singing well and hopefully people will remember me as the Chinese Elvis.”

About 50 people packed into the pub and ate from a set menu cooked by Mr Ma’s wife Shirley and two chefs from his birth country Hong Kong.

Mr Ma intends to perform every night Memphis Bar and Diner is open.

He added: “I like this pub very much and I would like to help people keep Elvis alive in Ashford.”

Mr Ma bought the former Oranges pub from Shepherd Neame earlier this year.