A café owner has celebrated opening her own establishment after 25 years of trying.

Clementine’s, which is set up inside The Antiques Store along Snodland High Street, is now open to the public.

Owner Hannah Dowley says it has been her lifelong dream since she was a little girl, remembering how she would always “play pretend” in the back garden.

She said: “I have worked in a number of cafés and restaurants, but I had always wanted to run my own.

“I’ve tried several times to start my own, with venues in Maidstone, Rochester High Street and at Halling train station.

“There’s been so many disappointments, this has been about 25 years in the making.”

At 16, Hannah started her first job at a transport café in an industrial estate in Pluckley.

She then worked at West Malling Golf Club as a waitress and the gentleman’s Castle Club in Rochester as a chef.

Most recently she ran her own catering business, supplying food for parties, wedding and funerals.

In 2016, Hannah was in the process of setting up a site in Rochester, however had to quickly pull out of the deal after her dad, Michael Miller, became ill.

“He was born with muscular dystrophy, and one day just suddenly fell really unwell,” the 49-year-old explained.

“Michael never went to the doctors – even when he became poorly he drove himself to the hospital.

“After being put on life support for five days he passed away aged 75.

“At the time he was helping me out with money, and when he was dying, he grabbed my arm and said ‘Han one day you’ll have your café’.

“The doctors said his potassium levels were so high and although it wasn’t confirmed we think he had bladder cancer.

“I have picture of him I want to put in the shop, but I still can't look at it without crying.”

Seven years later and Hannah has dedicated the launch of the café to her late father.

Reflecting on the opening, she commented: “An opportunity came up in The Antiques Centre and a lady asked if I was interested.

“I couldn’t believe it. Everyone has been so supportive, it’s a dream come true!

“During the first week my heart was beating outside of my body.

“I felt pure elation and was terrified at the same time.”

The name of the café was inspired from when Hannah was pregnant with her eldest daughter, Bethany-Clementine, who is now 30.

She said: “I always wanted to call my baby Clementine, but everyone told me it was strange.I just loved the name.

“Instead I promised my husband, Ian, that when I got my own place I would call it that.”

Clementine’s is now open to customers and serves a variety of coffee, cakes and sandwiches that are made fresh daily.

Hannah added: “In the morning I come in and think ‘what do I fancy making today?’

“My mum taught me to cook, so I’m able to bake anything and everything I like.

“I am also selling homewares, including dried flowers and candles from businesses run by my friends and family.”