A Harvester restaurant was evacuated at lunchtime after smoke was seen billowing from the kitchen and roof.

Diners were forced to leave their meals behind and wait outside the restaurant in Margate Road, Herne Bay just after 1pm.

Two fire engines were sent at the scene and firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used a hose reel jet to deal with the blaze.

Crews stayed at the site to damp down hot spots and make the area safe before using a positive pressure ventilation fan to clear smoke from the building.

They left the scene just before 2pm.

The restaurant will remain closed for the rest of the day.