Business bosses have secured the first food and drink tenant for a multi-million pound leisure complex - six months after the development officially opened.

Macknade - which already has a food hall in Faversham - is set to open a restaurant and retail counter in unit one of Elwick Place in Ashford.

The family-run business plans to create an all-day dining venue and delicatessen in the largest retail space available at the site.

Bosses say they have "long term" plans to trade in the town as they have signed a 10-year lease for 5,123 sq ft unit.

Managing director Stefano Cuomo, who is in the sixth generation of the family business, said: "My family business started life at Macknade more than 170 years ago and this year we celebrate 40 years of retailing.

"It is an honour for me to see Macknade grow and for the whole team to be a part of the exciting development of Ashford and its wider community.

“It is a big step for us and I am very grateful for all the support that has been given by both the council and developers.

"We are here for the long term and hope to make Ashford very proud.”

The six-screen Picturehouse boutique cinema and the 58-bedroom Travelodge hotel were the first to open in December.

Last week, KentOnline revealed Snap Fitness will be opening in Elwick Place.

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For the full story, see this week's Kentish Express, out Thursday