Two new businesses are opening at a shopping centre – just two weeks after it was announced two others had pulled out.

A Thai restaurant has already started serving customers at the Dockside Outlet in Chatham and a perfume shop is due to launch on Friday.

Centre manager Anthony Sutton said: "This is good news. It means the centre will only have one unit vacant – and there's already interest in that being shown."

He added that advanced negotiations were under way with a new occupier for the large Poundstretchers' unit and an announcement would be made shortly.

The owner of Pad Thai Live, who had been running a street market food stall at Dockside, has now branched out to a restaurant offering dine-in, takeaway and delivery service across Medway.

It's Richy Williams' third venture in Kent and his latest eatery – which he runs with his Thai-born wife – has already proved popular.

Former salesman Richy, 42, said: "It's not just about coming and having a meal served to your table.

"Our open kitchen, is like watching a live cooking show on television, the sort of experience you would get in the markets in Thailand. Take in the drama, entertainment and smells of aromatic cooking."

The food prepared by Nic, his wife of 17 years, is guaranteed authenticity.

Richy added: "Her mother ran a restaurant on the island of Koh Sumui and she grew up watching her cook in the kitchen.

"My job gives me a real buzz. You meet people from all walks of life, shoppers, students and those who have been to Thailand and crave the food."

The couple, who live in Ashford, have a stall at Gravesend Borough Market and in the Star Arcade, Maidstone.

The new restaurant is on the first floor in the former Onpoint Flooring store.

Meanwhile, The Fragrance Shop is preparing to open its new premises downstairs.

The national company has a kiosk in the Pentagon Centre, Chatham, where it sells top brand women's perfumes and men's aftershaves.

Last month Scoots Clothing, a specialist menswear outlet, opened selling Lambretta, Trojan and Ska brands.

As reported at the end of last month, the Cadbury chocolate shop said it was not extending its lease after 18 years at the centre.

Discount store Poundstretchers leaves after six years.

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