As Riton and the Nightcrawlers said, it's Friday, and I'm itching to get back through the doors of a night club.

Although the Covid-19 restrictions still have clubbing postponed until June 21 at the earliest, ATIK in Dartford has opened its doors as a 'night pub' instead. I went along for a night out to find out more about the concept.

ATIK Dartford has reopened as a night pub now indoor hospitality is allowed

The Essex Road night club, formerly known as Flicks, Zens and then Air and Breathe, began welcoming back customers on Friday, May 21 with a resourceful way of working within restrictions – by reopening as a ‘night pub’.

Myself and four friends were greeted by masked bouncers who ensured everyone scanned the NHS track and trace code and made it very clear that masks must be worn at all times unless we were seated at our table.

Walking through those doors after a long 18 months was amazing - granted the dance floor wasn't jam packed, but the music was loud, upbeat and everything we'd all missed!

We were shown to our table and the layout was more socially distanced than most pubs I'd been to since Monday, May 17; we all felt very safe and there wasn't a Covid-19 safety measure that wasn't covered.

Joshua Ould, a 20-year-old from Northfleet, said: "The door staff were amazing. We all scanned our NHS track and trace codes and they checked our IDs.

"I feel very safe and assured that if someone did show Covid-19 symptoms I know I would be contacted."

To capture the bar staff's attention we were given a flashing foam stick that we were encouraged to wave in the air. It was a great fun touch and ensured everyone stayed seated and safely distanced.

The table service was complete with cocktails, alcoholic beverages and bottomless pizza was also available, personally I couldn't ask for much else!

Who doesn't want to have fun with friends, listen to the latest music and munch on pizza?

Elizabeth Young, a 20-year-old from Istead Rise, said: "It is a very comfortable atmosphere, you almost forget that Covid-19 is going on in a way.

"Obviously it is socially distanced at the club but it is a very friendly, comfortable environment to be in."

Bar staff and waiters made sure that everyone's needs were taken care of and any questions were answered.

I felt that as the premises at ATIK are bigger and more staff were available, the service was a lot more efficient than it might be at a smaller pub.

Tilly Glendenning, a 20-year-old from Gravesend, said: "The nice thing about the night pub is you still have the club atmosphere without the dancing and getting close to people you don't know."

Kat Jenner, a 20-year-old also from Gravesend, added: "I like that it is so roomy and spacious, you don't feel like you're squished by loads of people and it isn't over crowded and you feel safe.

"It is you in a bubble on your table, the table service helps a lot too."

Millie has been working at the night club since it reopened as ATIK.

She said: "It is nice to be back and it's good to be offering table service, you can be more personal with customers and actually speak to people."

Personally, I feel the night club reopening as a night pub is an amazing idea, and I think more young people should jump at the opportunity to get out and have fun sooner than June 21."

Night pub goer, Clare Wilson, said: "It is very good to be back to normal life and seeing my friends.

"It is the closest we can get to a proper night out."

DJs Daniel Frost, from So Solid Crew, and Lewis Bones, were supplying the night's music. It was almost strange to hear songs that had become popular during lockdown played in a club.

The club is hoping that after more than a year of frustrations and being left behind while pubs, bars and restaurants have been allowed to open they can bounce back bigger and better than before the pandemic.

ATIK’s general manager, Jordan Craine, said: “We’re really excited to reopen initially as a ‘night pub’ and are offering our guests a great night out with no 10pm bedtime.

"Whether you're coming straight from a beer garden, or you've spent hours getting ready, everyone's welcome.

“It’s been a tough year and for young people it’s been especially difficult to have so many freedoms curtailed.

"Nightclubs may have been the first to close and the last to open, but we can’t wait to throw open our doors and welcome everyone back inside for a fun but safe night out.”

In preparation for opening, ATIK had a deep clean, and reviewed its staff training and procedures, from queuing to cleaning schedules, to make sure it reopens safely.

Jordan added: “Guest safety is our priority, and we have the experience and expertise to manage large groups of people and the space to create an atmosphere without overcrowding.

"We also have the very best ventilation system that is on par with any operating theatre. We have a lot more space than pubs and we are being as safe as we can be. We have lots of staff in training and it is really good to get them back working again."

From June 21, ATIK will once again be able to operate as a nightclub and has some of the biggest DJs in the UK ready to entertain guests.

Olivia, a 21-year-old member of staff at ATIK, said: "It's nice to be back, to feel a bit of normality again after being cooped up in my house for nearly a year.

"It is crazy to think I didn't have to work for a whole year."

Although ATIK revellers might not be able to hit the dance floor, they will be able to enjoy a ‘sit-down disco’ and order ‘bottomless’ pizza, every Friday and Saturday between the hours of 9pm and 2am.

Jordan added: "The scenes at Circus, Liverpool where 6,000 young people took part in a test event were amazing and emotional to watch.

"It’s really important that we have the opportunity to reopen without any restrictions that are not in line with the rest of hospitality."

To book tickets, visit: https://www.atikclub.co.uk/club/dartford/

Read more: All the latest news from Dartford

For more entertainments news click here