A FOODHALL opened at a department store yesterday offering more than a tonne of cheese, 5,000 apples and 230 cases of fresh fish.

John Lewis at Bluewater has recruited 192 staff for its foodhall, which cost £6.7m as part of an overall £21.9m refurbishment of the store.

And food is being stocked by two Kent suppliers, Simply Icecream and the Cheesemakers of Canterbury.

Managing director Simon Russell said: “Kent has some tremendous local produce and suppliers.

“We’re delighted to give shoppers the chance to celebrate the delicious flavours from our local area.”

Tastings are on offer throughout the next week.