AN outdoor seating area has been installed to complement two popular restaurants.

The Old Smithy and AJs Bistro will have a seating area behind the businesses where customers can enjoy their food.

This has been in the works for months ever since AJs opened in January.

Though the two businesses share the same building, they are run separately with food cooked by teams in different kitchens.

The business opened on January 26 after 12 months of planning and preparation - and at the time, joint owner Shauna Granger said she had ideas 'up her sleeve' for how to expand next.

The outdoor area consists of colourful picnic benches set on a stony bed surrounded by a flowery fence and a wall adorned with a sunny mural.

And it is open to customers of both AJs Bistro and The Old Smithy Fish and Chips.

It was in its final stages when the business boomed for Good Friday when the chippy got so busy the takeaway van had to be used to fulfill all customers' orders.

AJs and The Old Smithy have been going from strength to strength since opening post-pandemic.

New chefs were hired and Calvin Addenbrook, joint owner of the businesses, said he was 'nervous' after pumping a lot of money into the business.

"This is part of the plans we've got for the business," he said.

"We're really excited but a bit nervous. We've spent a lot of money on this so it means a lot to us.

"The chippy has a good reputation in the local community and we've had loads of people saying they are looking forward to trying it."

The two takeaways operate seperately meaning that customers cannot order a burger with their fish and chips.

Mr Addenbrook explained this was to keep quality as high as possible.

He said: "That's when things go downhill - when chippies start to do all kinds of food.

"So we're keeping it separate for that reason. The staff in the bistro will only work on that and they will be run as different businesses."