An art deco-inspired cocktail bar in what was once an underground public toilets is finally set to open its doors.

Aptly named Privy, the speakeasy-style venue in Broad Street, Canterbury, was due to open at Christmas but the project overran due to construction issues

Owner Angela Long, who runs The Loft in St Margaret's Street, says the build has been a labour of love. "We wanted to get it completely perfect before opening the bar. We have paid attention to detail and are very pleased with the results. We have made use of all the space - absolutely everything."

Ms Long says she snapped up the unusual property because, unusually for Canterbury, it came with the freehold.

The redundant facilities, which opened in 1930 and closed in 2000, were sold at auction by the city council in 2015 and bought for £198,000.

Located next to the Queningate car park, the area serves the magistrates' court for coffees and lunchtime snacks, but it is in the evening when the venue will really come into its own.

Tapas will be served alongside high-end cocktails within the decadent surroundings - and there is even space for a DJ booth.

The distinctive wrought iron arches that marked the entrances to the men’s and women’s chambers are now the sign for the quirky venue.

Glassware imported from Spain, neon lights in the ceiling that you can see from above and antique furnishing will help recreate the 1920s vibe glamorised by the likes of Peaky Blinders.

She said: "We will have jazz at the bar and a saxophonist will play in the corner in the evenings - with burlesque on some nights. It is going to be very special."