A building that houses two Maidstone restaurants is being put up for sale - prompting confusion over the future of the dinner destinations.

Asian eatery The Buffet House and Spanish restaurant La Taberna, both in Union Street, are in the building in question.

The former is on the ground floor and the latter on the first.

Business property adviser Christie and Co is handling the sale and announced that both businesses would close when the site is sold.

However, Clara Muñoz who owns La Taberna said they were not aware of the sale and did not believe the restaurant would be closing.

The Buffet House has been approached for a comment.

James Hughes, business agent in Christie and Co’s Maidstone office, said: "This centrally located site presents an excellent opportunity for a new owner to introduce two new offerings to Maidstone, whether they are kept as restaurants or converted into different uses.

"The current business has built up a good reputation during that period with both the local and wider community but there is plenty of room for further development.

"There is also an opportunity to obtain planning permission to add hotel rooms, which would give an extra dimension to the business."

When pressed, a spokesman for Christie and Co admitted it was possible the new owner may allow the two restaurants to remain.

The property can cater for about 200 diners and has bars on both floors, Christie and Co said.

The current owner first bought the property in 2007 when it was known as the Comedy Creek Club.

He developed the first floor area, which has been operating as La Taberna for more than a year.

The Muñoz family migrated from Marbella last summer to start the venture and the restaurant serves tapas and Mediterranean cuisine, organises flamenco shows and lessons and hosts traditional Spanish events such as Three Kings’ Day celebrations.

The Buffet House serves Bangladeshi, Indian, Thai and Chinese food and English desserts.

Christie and Co is seeking £849,995 for the freehold or £70,000 for the leasehold with an annual rent of £45,000.