A cafe has beaten off competition to win a regional award – less than two weeks after its official opening.

The eatery in Mote Park, Mote Avenue, Maidstone, has been named Best Public or Community Building in the south east.

It was entered by Maidstone council into the Local Authority Building Control (LABC) Excellence Awards for 2023.

The project goes forward to the national final, which takes place on January 19.

The LABC awards celebrate excellence in building projects and are open to local authorities across England and Wales.

Judged by a panel of industry experts, they recognise projects, professionals and teams which demonstrate technical innovation, as well as solutions to complex technical or construction issues and constraints.

Set in Mote Park's 450-acre site, the cafe was officially opened on September 14 by the borough mayor, Cllr Gordon Newton.

Council deputy leader Cllr Paul Cooper believes the cafe, which started serving customers in April, has only added to the park's appeal.

The Tory councillor for Shepway North said: "To receive this accolade is a fantastic testament to the team behind this amazing building.

"Everyone involved has worked incredibly hard to not only create a facility that is accessible and flexible, but is also a hugely attractive addition to this beautiful park.”

Cllr Claudine Russell (Con), cabinet member for communities, leisure and arts, added: "At the heart of this project are Maidstone residents and the thousands of visitors who enjoy this park every year, but it’s wonderful to be officially recognised by LABC.

"We are also thrilled to be grand finalists and look forward to the final next year."

The new £2.5 mil facility, within Maidstone's largest green space, is run by Riverside Catering Services, a Dover-based firm which already supplies catering for a number of councils in Kent and the Port of Dover.

It is open seven days a week from 9am until 5pm, except Christmas Day.

It can seat 52 customers indoors, and there are picnic tables along the side of the building facing the children's play area.

During the summer, there will also be nine bistro-style tables at the south end of the café.

A serving hatch on the north side of the building will enable those seeking a drink or an ice cream to be served quickly.