One of the city’s longest-running businesses is set to shut up shop – with a popular Turkish restaurant moving in.

Winston Feather is closing his picture framing and gift shop in St Dunstan’s Street after 31 years and moving to Yorkshire.

A La Turka, next door, hopes to extend into the Feathers building when it shuts in the coming weeks.

Owner Mehmet Dari says he wants to improve the layout of his restaurant and the soon-to-be empty premises will allow him to do so.

He said: “We want to improve the customer experience. We’re not just going to extend it and fill it with more tables and chairs.

“It’s not for more people. The idea is the quality of the seating – to give people more space.”

If he gets the nod from city planners, Mr Dari wants to extend the bar, make the kitchen bigger and expand the toilets and customer waiting area.

He said: “We need to get architect’s drawings and then go through planning, so I don’t know how long it will take.

“It’s also a listed building so we have to be careful and make sure it looks traditional and in keeping with the area. I love this city and we have to look after our history.

“Anybody can get a brand new building but not everyone is lucky enough to be in a historic building like us. We love being in Westgate.”

A La Turka has been in Canterbury for three years. It has another restaurant in Northgate as well as one in Herne Bay.

Mr Feather, who will continue his business up north, says he is delighted Mr Dari and his team are taking over the building.

He said: “After 31 years of being here and renovating the property, I’m glad it’s going to good use.

“I would like to say thanks to all the people who have helped keep me here over the years.

“I’m pleased St Dunstan’s Street has over the last few years been recognised as one of the most important areas of Canterbury.”