One of the faces behind an award-winning Indian fine dining restaurant is swapping poppadoms for pasta as he prepares to open a new Italian.

Al Jabir helped launch The Dining Room and is now converting the former Galley Fisheries shop at No.1 Leysdown Road, Leysdown, into a new eatery for Sheppey .

The 45-year-old has been in the hospitality industry for more than 26 years.

His experience ranges from running pubs, opening restaurants and providing consultancy services to help other restaurant owners boost their business.

Most recently, in 2021, he helped his friend of 20 years, Naz Chowdhury, turn what was The Pavilion at No.38 Leysdown Road into an award-winning Indian fine dining spot.

But around two years ago, Al was offered the chance to take on the former chippy, which he liv

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