Restaurant set to open next month

A new Turkish restaurant is to open in Ashford next month – and the owner is already thinking of launching another larger site in the area.

A branch of the Aspendos chain will be opening in Bank Street on August 15 following work to renovate the kitchens and install specialist charcoal ovens.

Owner Necati Gunes says he has been looking for an opportunity in Ashford for some time.

He said: “I am from Folkestone originally, and Ashford was always the place to go for 30 years.

“I can see that it is on the up again, especially with the new film studio coming in [at Newtown].

“I think it will surprise everyone.”

And the future is looking bright for the restaurant, as Mr Gunes, 44, had to pause while talking to the Kentish Express to give booking details to several potential customers coming in off the street.

He says he is so confident in Ashford’s future that he is already looking for a larger site in the town.

He explained: “This space is great, at least to start with, but given that it’s only 90 covers it’s not quite as big as I would have wanted.

“Hopefully this is a big success, then we will be looking to open another restaurant, potentially something in an old pub, that kind of size.

“I think it would be more on the outskirts of town though, rather than the centre.”

Aspendos – which will open from 11am to 11pm – is replacing Shen’s Mediterranean Cuisine.

It will serve a wide range of kebabs, both meat and vegetarian, and also offer a delivery service.

The site’s previous owner Shen Sen – who runs numerous businesses across Ashford – announced earlier this month how his John Wallis pub in Middle Row is set to remain permanently closed.