A popular Kent cafe has gone on the market three months after the owner announced she was leaving the county after “finding true love”.

Kerry’s Kitchen in Lydd has been listed on Rightmove for £300,000 and is described as an “opportunity not to miss out on”.

The former owner, Kerry Searles, took over the premises in 2019 but told KentOnline earlier this year she would be selling up and not re-opening.

Miss Searles announced she was moving 200 miles away to Gloucestershire after meeting a soldier who was temporarily based at the military training camp in Lydd.

The 48-year-old first encountered the “love of her life”, Rory Molloy, when he bought lunch in her Park Street cafe.

In January, she said: “After meeting Rory a few times in my cafe, three weeks went by and I hadn't seen him.

“I spoke with one of the other soldiers and asked where he had been and they informed me that he had broken his ankle in a football match at the military base.

“After I heard the news I started sending care packages of food from the cafe to him at the barracks. The rest is history!”

Now, the cafe is on the market with Miles & Barr and is being described as an opportunity for a business and a family home.

The building on Park Street includes a residential flat and a large garden area.

Miss Searles, who has no children, says she “cherished” her time in Lydd but is moving away to “make the most out of life”.

She is now engaged to Mr Molloy, who is from Gloucestershire, and will tie the knot later this year.

Mr Molloy, 40, was in Lydd at the time for Operation Interflex - the code name for the British-led multinational military operation to train and support the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Miss Searles previously said she was “grateful” for all the support she has received during her time in Lydd and urged people to “support the new owners”.

She added: “Lydd is a forgotten town and it is really important local people continue to support the local businesses.

“I want to thank everyone for how much they supported me over the years.

“For now I am taking some time off to go travelling with Rory and I am excited for the future.”