Nando's is preparing to open a restaurant at Ashford Designer Outlet – a year after the chain said it had no plans for a branch at the centre.

The chicken giant will fill an empty unit in its extension, next to Yo! Sushi, opposite Timberland and TOG24.

The South African chain was originally banned from opening in the centre when the £90m extension was approved in 2015.

It was one of 39 businesses restricted in an agreement by Ashford Borough Council (ABC) and owners McArthurGlen in a bid to protect the town centre.

JD Wetherspoon, TGI Fridays and Gourmet Burger Kitchen were also blacklisted.

But despite the ban, plans for the restaurant were approved in March last year but the pandemic then halted progress and the company pulled the plans.

Now, signs in the window confirm the restaurant is preparing to 'open soon'.