A popular cafe has reopened its doors following an extensive revamp – with the new owner hoping to shake off its former reputation.

The A20 Cafe, previously known as the Blue and White Cafe, along the A20 Hythe Road in Smeeth, near Ashford, welcomed customers back today (Monday) after months of refurbishment work.

The venue closed in November 2023 when health inspectors found rat droppings in the kitchen, resulting in a zero star hygiene rating.

It came just months after the previous owner had pledged to improve standards after a one-star rating.

Now, under the ownership of Ozcan Yalcin, the cafe has undergone a total transformation – inside and out.

Speaking to KentOnline, Mr Yalcin, 39, explained: “Everything is new – the kitchen has been completely cladded, all the fittings are brand new, and we’ve added a fresh vegan and gluten-free section to the menu.

“We’ve taken the old blue and white colour scheme out completely, so it’s a clean slate.”

Mr Yalcin first hoped to reopen in November or December, but delays with fittings and materials meant the project stretched into the new year.

“It’s been a lot of hard work,” he admitted.

“Even the tables, which were a real issue before, are now smooth and spotless.

“We’ve ripped out everything that contributed to the old problems.”

The cafe’s hygiene rating previously took a nosedive, affecting not only the cafe’s trade but also Mr Yalcin’s A20 Grill – a food truck operating from the site’s car park.

The site now boasts 75 seats, up from the previous 64, and the car park has been freshly tarmacked with space for at least 20 vehicles.

“Even though the van was a separate business, people associated us with the cafe’s problems,” he added.

“Now we’ve taken it on and completely overhauled the place, I believe we’ll be straight into a 5-star rating.

“The potholes were awful – they’re all gone now.

“The whole front has been smartened up, and the end of the building, where there was an accident before, has also been repaired.”

The menu still offers classic cafe fare, including English breakfasts and sandwiches, but now also features vegan and gluten-free options alongside wraps and paninis.

The cafe will open seven days a week from 7am to 3pm, while Mr Yalcin’s A20 Grill food truck will continue to trade from the car park Thursday to Sunday evenings.

“We’ve had people asking every week when we’re opening,” he said.

“It’s been a long time coming, but we’re ready now – and we’re confident people won’t be disappointed.”