A new restaurant is set to open in John Lewis Kingston.

Catering firm Benguo will open a restaurant in the Kingston store as part of a new partnership with John Lewis, which could see a major transformation across 32 of its outlets.

The partnership means that Benguo is taking over the management of Place to Eat at John Lewis and the overhaul is planned to be fully implemented by 2027.

All the revamped restaurants will prioritise "fresh, premium-quality fare".

The updated menus will feature deli options, bakery items and artisan pizza choices, all utilising locally-sourced produce.

In preparation for its Kingston opening, Benguo has submitted a licensing application to the council seeking permission to sell and supply alcohol in its restaurant during its operating hours from 8am - 11pm seven days a week.

The licensing application indicates that Benguo anticipates to start operating in John Lewis Kingston on 22 May.

Regarding the council's licensing objectives, Benguo said: "The restaurant is already licensed under the John Lewis PLC licence but this application is to ensure accountability.

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"The restaurant will continue to open only during the hours the store is open.

"All staff will receive training on the law on selling alcohol which shall be refreshed at least annually and written records of the training will be maintained and produced upon request to the Police or Local Authority.

"A challenge 25 policy will be adopted and all members of staff will be trained on the policy.

"Only ID which complies with the mandatory licensing will be accepted as proof of age.

"A record of any sale of alcohol which is refused will be maintained which must include the date and time of the refused sale, the reason why it was refused together with the name of the member of staff who refused the sale.

"Such records to be kept for a minimum period of six months and produced to a Police Officer or duly authorised officer of the Local Authority on request."

Residents have until 26 May to submit representations for this application and can do so here.