Wagamama has confirmed that it will be opening its first branch in Medway.

The restaurant chain, which serves Asian food based on Japanese cuisine, is set to open at Chatham Dockside.

It will be taking over the former Villagio unit, opposite the Dockside Outlet Centre.

An opening date for the new restaurant has not been revealed yet.

Wagamama joins Italian restaurant chain Zizzi, who will be opening next door to them in a unit previously occupied by The Real China.

Eleanor Jukes, portfolio manager at Schroders Capital UK Real Estate Fund, who is the landlord, said: “Wagamama and Zizzi are strong additions to Chatham Waterside that will be popular with the local community, drive footfall and complement the existing tenant mix.

“The nature of both the brands is testament to the quality of the scheme and marks the completion of the transformation of Chatham Waterside following the closure of themed attraction Dickens World.”

A spokesperson for Wagamama said: “We are delighted to have secured a new unit in this location at Chatham Maritime and we thank Schroders Capital for working with us and we look forward to opening our new restaurant soon.’’

Currently, the closest Wagamama branch is in Maidstone and Bluewater.

The chain has more than 160 restaurants across the UK.