Construction has started on an extension to a cafe at one of the county's oldest stately homes.

Porcupine Pantry at Penshurst Place, near Tonbridge, will be more than doubled in size after seeing a rise in demand in recent years.

The pantry was originally converted into a cafe in 2012 having previously been used as a plant centre.

It was originally a dairy barn but now it shelters visitors to the 14th Century manor house and gardens, walkers and cyclists while serving refreshments and lunches.

The extension will add two new sections, creating a U-shaped building, surrounding a courtyard which will be sheltered by large, weather-proof parasols.

The new interior will be able to seat 90 customers – more than doubling the previous capacity of 40 – with an extra 80 seats outside.

There will be more tables on a terrace next to the pantry for customers to enjoy the weather in warmer months.

"It was clear we needed to act to manage the high demand for our catering..."

The kitchen and food preparation areas will be enlarged and remodelled allowing the cafe to offer a wider selection of food options.

Building work is expected to take 22 weeks and to be completed by April 3 in time for the Easter weekend.

The pantry will remain fully operational while construction is under way, as will the adjoining gift shop.

Heir to Penshurst Place and Gardens, Dr The Hon Philip Sidney, said: “It is hugely exciting to be starting the building work on the Pantry extension.

"This project has been a long time in the making and I am looking forward to seeing the new building take shape."

General manager of Penshurst Place Estate, Ben Thomas, said: “We are delighted to get this project off the ground to extend our hugely popular catering outlet at Penshurst Place.

"Following several years of excellent customer feedback about the Porcupine Pantry and the need for more space to enjoy refreshments all year round, it was clear we needed to act to manage the high demand for our catering.

"The extension to the café and addition of a new courtyard means we will now be able to service our local community and customers even more effectively.”

The project will be undertaken by a Tunbridge Wells firm, Madgwick and Dottridge with the building work to be done by WH Hodder and Sons of Wadhurst.