A Shoreditch-style cereal cafe complete with 25-seat boutique cinema will open next month on the site of a former arts shop.

The venue in Stour Street – which is keeping the Chromos name – also boasts a bar, restaurant and hair and nail salon.

Its business manager, Catherina Casey, says it will bring something new to the city with “a social heart”.

“We realised there was an opportunity in Canterbury to have something a little different to the regular social landscape,” she said.

“We wanted to add novelty, cabaret and alternative entertainment in a venue that is suitable for all generations.

“It’s variety in one place – it’s not just exclusively for one market.

“There might be families here on Saturday mornings and in the evening lots of students.”

Chromos will open in the first week of February, offering 40 different types of cereal and a variety of milks and toppings.

Ms Casey says those feeling adventurous can also add a shot of alcohol to their breakfast bowl.

“The idea of Baileys on your Coco Pops – it could potentially work,” she said.

“I think people will see we’re just being a bit cheeky about it and it’s a bit of fun. We’ll find out when we open.”

A cocktail bar and restaurant will complement the all-day cereal offering, with circus acts and aerial artists performing in the evenings on a nine-metre-long table which converts to a stage.

The venue will host Mad Hatter tea parties, children’s camps with professional storytellers and community groups.

Locals can also exhibit art and photography on the walls, which Ms Casey says is a great way of engaging with the community.

“Of course it’s a business, but it’s one that actually makes a contribution with a social heart to it,” she said.

“We want to use our space to bring a lot of entertainment and fun to the community.

“I imagine us doing things with lots of people and getting people to come to us with their ideas and work together to develop concepts.”

The Chromos website, chromoscanterbury.co.uk, is expected to go live soon.