A popular food and drink outlet is set to open in a third location at a department store.

Macknade, which already has stores in Faversham and Ashford, will be joining forces with Hoopers in Tunbridge Wells providing a similar dining experience to what is on offer in Ashford and replacing the Zest Restaurant where it is planned they will open in early September.

It comes after they said plans to open in new locations were firmly in their sights last week.

The firm runs a food village on Selling Road, in Faversham, and opened the doors on its Ashford food hall and restaurant, in Elwick Place, last year.

In Tunbridge Wells, they will occupy a 4,000 sq ft area on the third floor of the store and can cater for approximately 100 dining customers at a time.

A selection of produce used on the new restaurant menu, as well as alcohol and plants and bouquets, will be available from their florist department, alongside hamper services and foodie gifts.

“Macknade’s whole purpose is to bring communities together through quality food and drink experiences and so, by partnering with Hoopers, we can do this for Tunbridge Wells,” said Stefano Cuomo, Macknade CEO.

“Residents have long taken pride in supporting local, independent businesses and the surrounding area of the Weald is full of producers that we already admire and whose stories we can’t wait to share.

“Working with Hoopers presents a wonderful opportunity for us to do this.”

Debra Angus, managing director of Hoopers, said: “Living in east Kent, I have long been a loyal customer of Macknade and have admired its ethos, passion and commitment in providing a fantastic food-based experience.

“The resonance of two family businesses joining in partnership with our customer at the centre is a very exciting prospect.”

Macknade has also recently unveiled a new subscription service, allowing it to reach a nationwide audience, and appointed Shane Godwin as managing director to lead the day-to-day operations.

Stefano is the sixth generation of the family to lead the business at Macknade.

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