by Graham Tutthill

The restaurant in Dover's new sea sports centre has finally opened to the public.

Restaurateur Jasin Kaplan, who also operates the cafe at the end of Deal Pier, says he is willing to arrange the opening hours around the demands of his customers.

Dover Mayor Cllr Sue Jones cut the ribbon to mark the official opening of the restaurant on Tuesday, along with Dover MP Gwyn Prosser, district council leader Cllr Paul Watkins and a number of other guests including Miss Dover Loren Selby and princess Sofie Stroud.

Bill Fawcus, chairman of the Dover Sea Sports Centre Development Trust, said the official opening of the centre itself would take place on April 14, two years behind the original opening date.

Mr Prosser said everyone had been watching the progress of the centre "for many years".

"It represents what is going on right throughout East Kent and in Dover in particular," he said. "It is a sign of what is happening."

He said Mr Kaplan had already built up an enviable reputation with the Telegraph Chippie in Deal and the cafe at the end of Deal Pier.

Cllr Watkins said: "I hope people of the area appreciate what they have and they will use it fully and to capacity. This is a venue where people can hold different types of functions."

Mr Kaplan said: "It's good to be here. We are working very hard to provide good quality food at reasonable prices served by local people. We will work hard to make this place a magnificent venue."