A new casual dining and convenience food restaurant is celebrating after winning a prestigious business award.

Poke Prep picked up the Best Hospitality, Leisure and Tourism, Best Food and Drink Producer at the Business Awards Kent held at the Mercure Maidstone Great Danes Hotel this month.

Considering that the business, which is located at Unit 6, Royal Star Arcade in Maidstone, has only been open for eight months, this is quite an achievement.

The restaurant was launched by Charlie Howden and her business partner, who has a Masters in Sport and Nutrition. It also has a head chef with more than 15 years’ experience, and they have a team of four staff.

Howden, who herself has a Masters in Art and Design, had to quickly put together the restaurant design in hospital after her baby unexpectedly arrived early just as the business was being launched.

“I would like to say a big thank you to my team who have been rewarded for their hard work by winning this award,” said Howden. “Our focus on producing high quality food and delivering a great customer experience has really paid dividends.”

The restaurant specialises in Asian American fusion street food. Among its most popular dishes are a mixed selection of micro burger sliders, steak teriyaki and katsu curry. It also offers pancakes and waffles, as well as homemade milkshakes and coolers.

The restaurant will be adding bao buns to its menu in the new year, when it will also change its name to You Have Been Served.

Poke Prep is open from Wednesday to Saturday between 12pm and 11pm and on Sunday from 12pm to 9pm.

To place an order, visit www.delivero.co.uk