A small piece of Folkestone's history was uncovered during the renovation of a new town centre restaurant.

Market Square, which serves brunch, lunch, dinner and cocktails, has been opened by Ben Cuthbert and wife Lucy in Rendezvous Street.

But during the refurbishment staff made a welcome discovery when they pulled a very old and delicate receipt from the floor.

The discoloured and worn slip is a credit note dated January 31, 1914 and addressed to a builder called Mr Jenner of Broadmead Road, crediting him for what appears to read the 'difference in baize'.

It was issued by Lewis, Hyland & Linom, a family drapers milliners, ladies's outfitters and home furnishings store.

The business was founded in 1834 by George Alexender Lewis but changed names several times due to Mr Lewis swapping business partners.

In 1874 the company was known as Lewis and Stapley, in 1882 as Lewis and Goble, in 1887 as Lewis, Hyland and Goble and then to Lewis, Hyland and Linom in 1891.

It adopted the name of Lewis and Hyland in 1918.

The chain also had shops in Ramsgate, Ashford and Hastings, but was overtaken by Whites of Kent in 1972.

And the managers were clearly big on customer service, as the back of the slip reads: "We thank you for your patronage.

"Temporary trade is not our wish - we seek lasting success. The safest and surest way of achieving this is, we believe, by giving you absolute satisfaction.

"If in any transaction with us you fail to obtain this, please do not look it over but kindly bring it to our notice.

"This we ask as a favour. Lewis, Hylands and Linom."

Mr Cuthbert, 40, said: "This used to be a posh department store.

"And we uncovered a lot of the original features, like the old tiles and plaster ceilings.

"We found the note in the floorboard.

"We wondered if the Mr Jenner could be to do with Jenner Contractors, which is based in Folkestone."

The team now plan to display the letter in the restaurant.

Other artifacts discovered during the renovation include a second receipt from 1921, cigarette packets and an old newspaper.

Staff also discovered a dead cat in the ceiling of the building. It is thought the poor animal ventured up there and became trapped.

Mr Cuthbert said it has now been given a proper burial.

Market Square is part of a chain which also incorporates The Harbour Inn, Luben's Pizza and The Pullman, all in Folkestone.

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