A Turkish restaurant is planning to expand, with diners flocking in increasing numbers to the popular Rainham venue.

Plans have been submitted to build a single-storey rear extension at Galata Mezze Bar & Restaurant in Rainham High Street - which has become so popular owners say they can't meet demand.

Abuzer Kartal, who runs the restaurant with business partner Muslum Tasdogan, said their current capacity was 70 customers but the new extension would allow them to seat 100 diners.

The success of the restaurant is all the sweeter after an uncertain start in November 2019 - when they opened their doors unaware a pandemic was just a few months away.

"We basically started the business before the last lockdown and we couldn't open," said Mr Kartal. "We opened in November 2019 and then it closed for six months - we've been open since then.

"It's been difficult but it's picked up very quickly - I think people missed going out, they missed socialising."

He put the success of the restaurant down to the fact they were offering something different to the other venues in the area.

"There's no Turkish restaurant where we are, and that makes us more busy than the others," he said. "They want something different in this area. That's why we've got the advantage as far as I can see.

"It's Mediterranean cuisine and we're trying to do service like fine dining. I'm 100% sure our service is better than other Turkish restaurants."

And Mr Kartal added: "We really like Rainham. We've got quality customers in Rainham and I really like that.

"I'm hoping it will get even better, because we can't meet the demand at the moment."

Mr Tasdogan is also celebrating success at his other restaurant in Sititngbourne after chef Tacim Yetis was named chef of the year in the 10th annual British Kebab awards.