The new team behind a closure-hit town centre cafe say they are committed to the unit despite its troubled past.

Jeevan and Gloriya Coutlan previously ran The Boardwalk Cafe in Dover’s De Bradelei Wharf – but have now moved their business 22 miles to Ashford to take on Bank Street Cafe.

The move comes after management at the waterfront shopping centre confirmed it will permanently close next month as a huge rise in energy bills and the need for renovations has made the site unviable.

After looking for a new business to take over, the husband-and-wife team snapped up the cafe in Bank Street.

Several businesses have come and gone from the unit in recent years including RJ’s American Diner which closed after less than two years in the town centre.

It then became Sky Bar and Restaurant which closed not long after getting a one-star food hygiene rating in 2021.

Bank Street Cafe was next to move in. However, the previous owners handed back the keys after nine months, saying the cost-of-living crisis made it impossible to carry on.

But the Coultans, who have more than 20 years experience in the hospitality industry, say they are in it for the long haul.

“It’s a good location and we have signed for a long period,” explained Mrs Coultan.

“We did a lot of work with cleaning, painting and redecorating.

“We have a good 20 years’ experience internationally as my husband worked for 15 years in Dubai.

“We were in the opening team of Wheeler’s, Marco Pierre White’s fish and chip shop in Dover.

“Then we took over our own business at De Bradelei Wharf so we have a good idea about the food, and the food standards.

“Our main target is not to be a normal, standard cafe, we want to take it to the next level so it’s at a hotel standard.”

After a month of renovations, the cafe opened on May 26 and offers a similar menu to what was on offer in De Bradelei Wharf.

They serve fish and chips, breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea, but within the next week, Sri Lankan food will also be available on request.

Mrs Coultan added: “We are from Sri Lanka so we want to introduce the traditional food as part of the menu.

“We have always served Sri Lankan food in Kent so people know us well, but we did not have a proper restaurant to serve from. So now this is a good opportunity to attract the Sri Lankans as there is a huge demand.

“All the food is freshly cooked and we also have a private dining area so we can host private parties for group bookings.”

Bank Street Cafe is open Monday to Saturday from 9am to 5pm.