New US diner finally opens

An American diner has finally opened following a difficult and prolonged planning process.

Burger Boys has opened in Faversham Road, Kennington, after being in the works for 19 months.

Due to Covid restrictions, it will remain a takeaway-only business for the next couple of weeks before allowing indoor dining.

The launch comes after a turbulent planning process with nearby residents concerned about parking and late opening hours, as well as a dispute with the council over signage.

However Ashford Borough Council has now given owner Ash Miah the go-ahead.

Originally called Burger Base, the former Essentials gift shop unit has undergone a makeover even since the first planning application for the diner was lodged.

“We just decided to rebrand, we came up with a better idea and look and changed it up,” Mr Miah said.

“We’ve done a hell of a lot of work, and it’s been very tough and long due to Covid.”

Mr Miah says the site has already been attracting positive remarks from passing residents who are excited to have “something that looks like it would be in the Ashford Designer Outlet but in Kennington”.

He is promising a unique experience in Ashford, using quality steak in his burgers.

But diners won’t yet get to fully experience the upgraded unit, as Mr Miah is cautious about letting people dine inside and is launching as collection and takeaway only.

The owner - who also runs Burger Boys’ neighbour Kennington

Tandoori and Cinnamon Spice at Eureka Place noted: “Because of Covid we don’t want to let people indoors quite yet as there are still restrictions in place.

“Also we don’t want to annoy the neighbours because - with the history of this place - we don’t want to upset people.

“But as the government’s restrictions ease, we’ll gradually open up.”

Burger Boys opened in Faversham Road for takeaway only this week; owner Ash Miah wants to create a patio area at the front of the diner and the adjacent Kennington Tandoori, which he also owns