A popular award-winning burger joint is hoping to move into a former town centre bank which has been empty for five years.

Chuck and Blade Burgers, which has a diner in Rochester High Street, is looking to relocate to the old NatWest just up the road.

If plans are approved, it will take 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 and a car park at the back.

Special attention will be 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.

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, fresh 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.

Last month, 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.

The hostelry boasts 100 craft beers providing "Medway's biggest tap wall", a wide range of wines and a full cocktail list.

"Banging food" is on the menu, including the trademark, giant packed burgers which have won them a widespread reputation.