Kingston’s mayor had a busy afternoon on Friday, September 10, when she was asked to open three new businesses in the same road.

Business owners, family friends, and the Surrey Comet’s June Sampson joined Councillor Chrissie Hitchcock when she attended the welcoming ceremonies in Old London Road, Kingston.

One of the new shops was the revamped “No 37”, owned by Dazz Parker and Denny Richardson, which was given a makeover by BBC2’s foul-mouthed business guru Mary “Queen of Shops Portas”.

Also celebrating their Kingston berth was clothes and accessories outfit That Vintage Shop, and the Republic restaurant where guests were treated to traditional Polish dishes by its owner, Robert Michalik.

Mark Field, chairman of the Old London Road Traders’ Association, said: “I would like to thank all the business that supported this event and to thank Robert Michalik for his hospitality, along with thanks to the Surrey Comet.”