A new restaurant set to open before Christmas will "brighten up" a Kent town, bosses believe.

Businessman Mehmet Dari is launching his newest branch of A La Turka inside the former JobCentre in Whitstable High Street on Friday.

The eatery was meant to open before last Christmas, but the restaurateur says it was delayed due to it being "designed differently" to his other sites.

Mr Dari - who already has branches in Canterbury, Herne Bay and Ramsgate - thinks his new restaurant "is more upmarket" than his other ventures.

"I think it will brighten up Whitstable and it needs A La Turka," the 42-year-old said.

"It will make it a more upmarket area.

"I think the residents, local people and tourists will enjoy themselves.

"We have spent a lot of time and the costs have been big, too, so it means it will improve the area."

The restaurant will be spread across two floors, and have a capacity of 150 diners when the rear garden is also used.

Customers will be served dishes served at the other sites, including meze, kebabs and fish.

"We have steak on the menu," he added.

"The Whitstable branch is more upmarket and modern, rather than traditional.

"The other ones are more authentic with the Turkish lights and atmosphere, but this one is more modern-looking."

The new restaurant will open to the public on Friday, but will be closed on Christmas Day.

Mr Dari's proposals to expand the building, by constructing an outdoor dining area, were met with opposition from residents, who feared it would spark an increase in noise and a loss of privacy.

Concerns were also raised that the area would be getting another establishment selling booze, despite there already being a number in the area.

But he says he has been working with those living nearby to help alleviate any concerns.

"We will work with our neighbours - who we have worked with already," he continued.

"They believe we are going to be noisy like a pub or club.

"Our neighbours are getting to know us better and it’s not a noisy atmosphere here - it’s calmer and more enjoyable.

"We are getting to understand each other more."

The restaurant will be open from 11am until 11pm Monday to Sunday.