The boss of Kent’s first Italian-Peruvian restaurant says fusing the two cuisines will result in “the freshest pizza and best atmosphere”.

Diego Herrada has opened Craving House in Middle Row, Ashford, filling the unit formerly occupied by Espresso Lounge which closed in July.

The 57-year-old says the town centre venue will be a mix of a restaurant, coffee shop and, eventually, a bar - if the council grants an alcohol licence.

“There’s nothing similar to us here in Ashford,” he said.

“It’s such a relaxed feel here where everything is fresh but also affordable.

“I don’t want to create a big bar selling beer or even something where it feels really serious, as for me the atmosphere is important.

“There are takeaways here and places like Pizza Express, but none have Peruvian dishes, pizza and coffee on their menu.”

Born in Peru, Mr Herrada moved to London in 2001, before living in Sidcup and then relocating to his current Ashford home seven years ago.

Inspired by his Italian grandfather who taught him the country’s love of pizza, cheese and wine, he says his father’s side of the family is Peruvian.

Mr Herrada has made combining the two cuisines the theme of Craving House, which cost the businessman thousands to refurbish.

“I don’t want to serve the same food to everyone,” he told KentOnline.

“People will love the meat, diavola, margherita or Napoli pizza, but others will like the Peruvian dishes, especially things with quinoa.

“Aji de gallina and lomo saltado, which is a sirloin with tomatoes, are also really nice and I think mixing food from Peru and Italy will be something people enjoy.

“It takes time to make my food but I love it and I know Ashford doesn’t have it anywhere else.”

Mr Herrada has also submitted an application to Ashford Borough Council (ABC) for a five-day alcohol licence from Tuesday to Saturday.

He is also awaiting confirmation he can play Italian music for customers to enjoy at the site, which employs two other people and has 20 covers.

“In Italy, we often buy a square pizza and eat it with a bottle of wine,” he said.

“Last Saturday, two people came in for a pizza but I felt like that dish would have been perfect with a glass of red wine.

“That’s why something in the middle of a bar restaurant is what the plan is and what will work best.

“I don’t want beers, but I’d like to have cocktails like an espresso martini and margarita - maybe five in total - plus Irish coffee.”

Zlatina Atanasova was one of the first to visit the business following its opening.

She told KentOnline: “I have been ordering coffee so far, but would I order alcohol?

“An Irish coffee would be nice to try and cocktails too would be good.

“It’s been very friendly here and they always go the extra mile. If music was here it would help as well.”

Before Craving House opened, Kent residents searching for an Italian-Peruvian restaurant would have had to travel to Covent Garden or Mayfair for the nearest venues.