A failed sandwich bar in Ashford town centre which closed after just three weeks is to reopen as a takeaway tearoom.

The Little Teacup in Bank Street will become the sister business to The Little Teapot in the Park Mall shopping centre.

The new site – which will replace the short-lived Shed's venture – will serve the same teas, coffees and cakes as The Little Teapot but for customers to take away.

Owner Russell Geen says he plans to open on January 10, but that may change depending on the supply chain.

"The only reason we are able to do this is because of the help and support from family, staff and customers," he said.

"We were talking about expanding prior to Covid but then everything stopped.

"We have a really good, strong team here so when this opportunity came along, we thought, why not give it a try?

"The plan is to open between 8am and 4pm Monday to Saturday so it will be slightly earlier than The Little Teapot because Bank Street is just off the high street so it's a lot busier.

"It's going to be the same high-quality products, teas and coffees we have at The Teapot which will be made fresh every morning.

"If anyone is in a rush, they can go to The Little Teacup, but for those who want to take their time and listen to 1940s music and relax, they can head to The Little Teapot."

Anyone who has vouchers for The Little Teapot will be able to use them at the new site which will be decorated with teacups and have indoor seating for about eight people.

It is not yet known if any new jobs will be created as Mr Geen will first offer the extra hours to his current team.

The new site in Bank Street will also have a room dedicated to Teapot Catering, Mr Geen's outside catering business, allowing more space in the kitchen in Park Mall.

The unit previously housed Barry's Kitchen and later the Bank Street Mini Market before Shed's was opened by electrician Darren Groves in October.

But the sandwich bar closed after just three weeks with Mr Groves saying "it wasn't fun while it lasted".

A full renovation was completed before the business was launched so many of the facilities are already in place, and Mr Geen says he "just needs to add some personal touches".