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A hugely popular roadside cafe has undergone a “massive” expansion, with a new look and extra seating.
Known for its hearty breakfasts, the Airport Cafe along the A20 in Sellindge, between Hythe and Ashford, has doubled its capacity due to growing demand.
Owner Shen Sen, who has run the business for the past three and a half years, said the extensive work took 12 weeks to complete over the Christmas period.
“We’ve basically doubled the size of the cafe,” he explained.
“We’ve added an extra 80 seats inside and have around 100 seats outside, so customers are not going to be disappointed anymore.
“There will always be a seat for them to enjoy a nice breakfast, lunch, or dinner.”
The expansion involved installing bi-fold doors throughout the site, creating an “open and airy” feel.
“It’s all about making more space for our customers,” Mr Sen said.
“We didn’t want people to struggle to find a seat anymore.”
The decision to expand was driven by the cafe's popularity.
It is Ashford’s number one quick bite on Tripadvisor, with a 4.5-star rating.
In 2021, KentOnline readers voted it the best place to get a full English breakfast.
“The response from customers has been brilliant,” Mr Sen added.
“If you check the reviews on social media, you’ll see how happy people are with the new look and extra space.”
In addition to the seating expansion, the venue is also set to upgrade its parking facilities.
Mr Sen revealed that by April 20, the cafe side of the car park will be dedicated to customer parking, adding even more convenience for visitors.
The business is also looking to hire new staff to keep up with increased demand.
Earlier this year, plans to flatten and replace eyesore buildings next to The Airport Cafe were given the green light.
The commercial units have been in a state of “total disrepair” for years but will soon be rebuilt.
