A shop showcasing locally produced food and drink at Bluewater has closed its doors.

The Produced in Kent trade organisation had originally opened the store in October 2021 as a temporary 'pop-up' shop for six months. But it proved a hit and ended up extending its stay by a further nine months.

And it hasn't ruled out a return in the future.

It was designed to give smaller producer members the chance to trial high street retail in the county's biggest shopping centre.

During the 2022 Christmas period the shop, which stocks local producers like Kent Crisps, Maidstone Distillery and Fudge Kitchen, saw a rise in sales of 46% when compared to the same period in 2021.

It estimates it served more than 40,000 customers during his spell.

Floortje Hoette, chief executive of Produced in Kent, explained: “This trial has proven that consumers do want to shop for local products but will be more easily persuaded if local product is offered as part of a wider shopping experience. For the consumer, it is still all about convenience. For our producer-members, access to new audiences and such a high footfall has been a real game-changer for sales, brand awareness and exposure.

“We will certainly be looking to do it again. The mission for Produced in Kent is to support local food and drinks businesses by spreading awareness of the incredible artisan and culinary delights on our doorstep in this wonderful county. And these pop-up shops deliver on that mission.”