The first food and drink tenant to move into a multi-million pound leisure complex in Ashford is set to host a launch party ahead of its opening next month.

Macknade is preparing to open a restaurant, bar and delicatessen in one of the largest empty units in Elwick Place this October.

Once operational, the independent, family-run business will serve customers seven days a week from its town centre site, offering pasture-fed meat cooked on a Big Green Egg and platters of local & continental cheese from the deli bar.

Bosses have organised a free launch event outside Elwick Place to give customers a taste of what they can expect from the new food and drink hub.

It is set to run from 12pm to 7pm on Saturday, September 14 - featuring live music acts and food and drink tasters.

Some of the county's leading drink producers including Curious Brewing will be present on the day, as well as media brand Cene - which has organised a variety of live music performances by local artists.

Made in Ashford - which based in the town's Park Mall Shopping Centre - will entertain younger guests with craft activities and face painting.

Kent Online exclusively revealed that Faversham-based company signed a 10-year lease for 5,123 unit in one of the Ashford Borough Council's 'Big 8' developments in June.

About 30% of the unit will be dedicated to the sale of goods, with the remaining 70% taken up by the dining area.

Despite eight units next to the Picturehouse cinema and 58-bedroom Travelodge sitting empty for a almost a year - Snap Fitness, AIMREC, Recursive Media and Dansaki Afro-Caribbean restaurant are set to open in the development.

A Macknade spokeswoman could not confirm an official opening date, but it is expected to be in the late autumn.

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