KFC is preparing to move into the centre of Tunbridge Wells along with its sister company Taco Bell.

The pair are planning to set up shop in Grosvenor Road in a former kitchen showroom.

Plans have been lodged with Tunbridge Wells Borough Council for the two to take over the former Schmidt store which has been empty for two years. The new outlets will be right next to the Five Ways Post Office.

Taco Bell and KFC are occasionally combined under one roof because they are both owned by Kentucky-based parent company Yum! Brands.

Taco Bell already has branches in Chatham, Dartford and Maidstone and is in the process of opening in Canterbury.

Kentucky Fried Chicken, famously founded by The Colonel, is currently on the out-of-town Fountain Business Park in Dowding Way.

It is expected the two new outlets will create 19 full-time and 28 part-time jobs.

The pair have applied to open every day from 11am to 11pm. It is understood they could be opening as early as the end of next month as they are seeking permission to erect signage from September 29.

The restaurants would be on the ground floor of the three-storey building.

The development is the latest in a string of restaurants opening up in Kent as diners become used to going out again after the Covid-19 pandemic.

KFC is expected to offer 36 covers with 34 covers in Taco Bell.