Frankie and Benny's is the latest national chain to sign an agreement to join the Dover Town Investment Zone.

The Restaurant Group Plc will lease its brand in a 4,300sq ft unit next to Cineworld, who signed an agreement to lease a six-screen, 21,000sqft cinema in September last year.

The St James’s development will total 120,000sqft of mixed-use retail and leisure with parking for 445 vehicles in the heart of Dover town centre.

Shelley Sandzer and Stephen Buckle & Co acted for Bond City and Wareing & Partners acted for The Restaurant Group.

Tim Ingleton, head of inward investment for Dover District Council, said: “We are delighted that Frankie & Benny’s have committed to Dover.

"They are an excellent addition to our anchor tenant signings, Cineworld and M&S. This deal demonstrates that occupiers share our vision for the future of the town centre.”

Richard McGibbon, development manager at Laker Developments, added: “The St James’s development is now starting to attract attention from major brands and we are very excited to add Frankie & Benny’s to our lineup.

"We are in discussions with a number of retailers and we hope to make further announcements soon.”

Read all of the latest reactions in next week's Mercury, out on April 24.