As you walk into Gravesend Borough Market, just off the High Street, it is bright and welcoming and the stalls lining the walls in neat alcoves boast an eclectic mix, from tailored clothes to homemade soaps.

For people used to shopping online or in impersonal superstores, it is a breath of fresh air.

The Bows and Belles stall debuted at the same time as the refurbished market and specialises in home decorations and gifts.

Nicola Theophanous, who runs the business, said: “I do want to bring something different and I have had nothing but positive comments about my stall.

“I think it’s going well but I think it’s going to continue to grow and when it’s all open that’s going to make a big difference.

“Word is getting round.”

Things have slowed down since the busy start on Saturday, December 3, but the traders are optimistic that more customers will come.

The historic market opened its doors after a £1.8 million renovation and 10 months of restoration work.

There is more still to come as the last touches will be added next year. In 2017 we can expect a market cafe and the reopening of the old fish market.

Jackie Brinkley set up her business I Dream Cakes and opened for the first time on launch day. Her cakes, cookies, tarts and fudge are mostly made on site.

She thinks more effort should be put into advertising the market’s new opening.

She said: “It hasn’t been as busy as the opening day, which was mad, but people are coming in saying they didn’t know it was open. The word needs to get out more.

“There needs to be more advertising so people know it’s open but I think it’s going to be a buzzing little market as it’s going to build. We’ve just got to persevere and be positive, explain the future to people.

“Some of the older shoppers have said it’s not the same as the old market but younger people like it, they like the change.”

The Butchers of Brogdale is one of the busiest stalls, selling locally sourced Kentish meat.

The brand is well established across the county with shops in Faversham, Gillingham, Ashford and Whitstable.

John Akester, one of the butchers, said: “It has been going steadily since opening day and we are expecting it to get busier as more people know it’s open.”

n The market is open Tuesday to Saturday from 9am to 5pm and Sunday from 10am to 4pm