Excitement is growing over the prospect of new arrivals to a town centre - with two businesses set to open in the next few weeks.

A unique "seasonal dining room" called 19 1/2 is set to add a unique flavour to Faversham's foodie scene when it launches tomorrow (Friday).

It is the brainchild of Susie Wild, who will be opening up her home in West Street to host people's small-scale dinner parties.

Susie, a house designer and decorator for 23 years, will run the business with her three children - but it won’t be open for walk-ins.

“We’re not a restaurant - we offer a beautiful space where people can enjoy a dinner party without the stress or mess," she said.

“Groups of up to 10 people can book, and a couple of nights a week we'll host them and their dinner party.

"We're looking at having themed nights, and will have a special Christmas menu. We're keeping a very open mind right now."

Susie, who says she will continue to run her design company Seasoned Grandeur alongside the business, says her family was inspired to set it up through their love of cooking together.

"I had a temporary alcohol licence during the hop festival, and I always liked the idea of being able to open the place up to share its character," she said.

"I haven't worked in food before but I've always been very creative.

"My son won a cooking competition when we lived in New Zealand - it's something we love to do together as a family.

“So for us, it’s about loving what we do and creating something beautiful in food and atmosphere."

Earlier this month, artisan bakery Grain and Hearth, which already runs branches in Whitstable and Margate, announced it was setting up a bakehouse and cafe in Faversham.

Now, the company has confirmed it plans to open its doors in Preston Street next month.

Head baker Adam Pagor told KentOnline: “We’ve had a few setbacks, so we’re maybe a week later than planned. But we’re very much on course for a mid-November opening.

“We’ve had such a huge reaction, with lots of interest in the store. We’re really looking forward to welcoming the people of Faversham through our doors.”

Tim Brown, chair of the Faversham Traders Association, welcomes the news and hopes the new arrivals will boost footfall to the town.

“It’s excellent - the town always needs new business and enterprise,” said Tim, owner of E Street Music.

“Any way we can increase footfall into the town, whether it be through a new shop or a restaurant, is something we welcome with open arms.”

However, residents have also been hit with the disappointing news that the Wild Bread Bakehouse has closed its doors for good.

On a statement released on its Facebook page, bosses said: “It is with the heaviest of hearts that we have to announce the permanent closure of Wild Bread.

“Following lockdowns and mounting costs, Wild Bread has been hit hard.

“Our current financial situation means we can no longer see another way through.

“Thank you from the bottom of our broken hearts. It has been a wild ride.”

The business was founded by James Thorn in 2013 and - after demand grew beyond the capacity of his kitchen - he set up a bakehouse in Jubilee Way in 2019.

Its last day of trading was October 8, and many customers have been mourning the loss of the much-loved community asset.

One commented: “This is such sad news. A wonderful business, run by lovely people producing inspiring and delicious food.”

Another added: “Selfishly, I’m going to miss the best bread I ever tasted.”

Faversham Foodbank said: “We are saddened to hear of your closure. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all you have done in the community.”