Bosses behind a popular sports bar are set to open their second Kent venue next week.

Matches is launching a new site in Butchery Lane, Canterbury, following its success in Ashford at Elwick Place.

The venue will be spread across three floors in a long-empty building opposite the Shakespeare pub, which previously housed Optical Express, Oasis, and Toni and Guy hairdressers.

In 2018, the three units were knocked into one, and have now been transformed into a bar, with two large private function and karaoke rooms, an outdoor terrace and self-pour beer taps.

Matches will open on Thursday, November 23, and will feature a ‘self-pour beer wall’, ultra HD screens, shuffleboards, interactive darts and cashless pool tables. There will also be karaoke and gaming consoles.

The bar will serve a selection of burgers, loaded fries, pizzas, wings and an array of sides.

Plans to make changes to the long-empty 11-14 Butchery Lane site were lodged with the city council last August.

It followed an original proposal by Caribbean-themed restaurant chain Turtle Bay to open at the renovated unit.

However, the project was scrapped during the height of the pandemic, and the firm’s interest in launching in the city dwindled.

Jon Shephard, the founder of Matches, previously said: "We are thrilled to bring the Matches experience to Canterbury.

"Our success in Ashford has inspired us to expand, and we're excited to introduce our unique blend of sports, entertainment, and socialising to the vibrant Canterbury community."

The Ashford branch, located next to Picturehouse cinema, has proved a hit with revelers since opening in 2021.

Numerous TV screens showcasing any sport from football to MotoGP are scattered around the venue, while colourful memorabilia adorns the walls.