A popular Indian restaurant in Kent has reopened after a 10 month hiatus and refurbishment.

Spice Lounge in Coxheath celebrated its return after it announced it would be sharing the site alongside a new Tesco Express.

The eatery opened in 2007, serving Bangladeshi and Indian cuisine, along with Buffet Sundays.

Over the years the restaurant has shut and reopened multiple times, with it first closing in 2019, after plans were submitted to knock down the establishment and build retirement flats in its place.

However, councillors at Maidstone Borough Council (MBC) refused the application and the restaurant reopened for Christmas later that year.

The restaurant then shut again throughout Covid lockdowns and reopened indoors last May, but it has been closed since July 3 for building works.

Plans released in June last year showed the restaurant would share the land with Tesco Express, which features an ATM.

The supermarket is estimated to be around 3,800sq ft, significantly reducing the size of the eatery next door.

Spice Lounge owner, Anhar Ali, explained that he is very happy to have made the decision to split the site.

He said: "We are pleased to be reopening the Spice Lounge after a 10 month closure for site construction works to allow for the new Tesco Express.

"The new store and much needed ATM has been well received by the local community - this I hope follows suit with the reopening of the restaurant.

"Our seating has been reduced from 100 covers to 38 covers, and should be easier to manage with a collection only takeaway service.

"Our chef remains unchanged since our original opening in 2007, and we look forward to welcoming new and existing customers."

Tesco Express opened its doors to the public last month.

The Spice Lounge reopened for bookings daily from 5.30pm to 10pm yesterday.