A popular award-winning burger joint is preparing to open at the end of this month at a former town centre bank which has been empty for more than five years.

Chuck and Blade Burgers, which already has a diner in Rochester High Street, is looking to welcome guests at the old NatWest on Friday, April 28.

The food chain is taking over the ground floor of the Grade II-listed Victorian building which has fallen into disrepair since closing as a bank in 2017.

The much larger premises will offer covers for up to 90 guests, a separate bar and seating area with a car park at the back.

Special attention has been given to retain and restore many of the original features, including ceiling cornices and timber panelled doors.

The basement of the three-storey building, built between 1867 and 1899, could be used for additional restaurant space in the future.

Aura Aesthetics, a clinic offering a range of non-invasive treatments personalised to clients' specific needs and concerns, has already opened on the top floor.

Treatments are designed to help you rejuvenate your skin, reduce the signs of ageing, or enhance your features, using the latest technology and techniques.

Chuck and Blade opened in Rochester at 137 High Street in March 2020, initially sharing with Kangaroo Court Coffee House, an artisan cafe and bakery.

It has branches in Canterbury and more recently opened in Tunbridge Wells.

It also has a mobile unit catering for outdoor events and special occasions for up to 1,000 people.

The menu features hand-crafted burgers, fries, pickles and creamy milkshakes, as well as "boozy shakes" and cocktails.

Burger fans can choose from many options: the house's own version of a classic cheeseburger; a chicken with Korean BBQ sauce burger; loaded fries; and Poutine, a Canadian classic of chips served with cheese curds and gravy.

Earlier this year, another successful business opened a pub and diner in the vacant Barclays in Rainham High Street.

Jamie Clark and Tom Mudge, the owners of the Dead Pigeon micropub in Rochester, launched the tongue-in-cheek named Greedy Banker after a £250,000 makeover.