Fancy perusing an antiques shop in the day, and sipping cocktails by night?

It could become a reality in Folkestone, if a new 'speakeasy' style bar and store is approved by planning officers.

An application has been submitted to Folkestone and Hythe District Council (FHDC) by David Holden of The Potting Shed Ltd, to change the use of 34 Rendezvous Street from retail, into a shop and bar.

Speakeasies were illicit establishments that sold alcoholic beverages in the USA during the 1920s and 30s Prohibition era. During this time, selling, manufacturing and transporting alcohol was made illegal in the States in a bid to reduce crime and promote better morals. The venues largely disappeared after the era ended in 1933, and the term is now often used to describe retro style bars.

Situated opposite the Samuel Peto Wetherspoons pub, the premises was previously occupied by a mobility store called The Caring Shop.

The planning statement on FHDC's online portal says during the day, the shop will run as a normal antiques shop: "The shop will be split into two different areas, and so at the back of the shop there will be a secret entrance, through to a 1930s style speakeasy cocktail bar."

Planning designs by JV Chartered Architects show the access to the bar situated at the back of the unit, with six tables for guests to sit and drink. It is described as a 'very small bar'.

But access to the quirky new venue is expected to be regulated: "Entrance to the bar will be by appointment only as the bar will not be advertised, in trying to keep with the original premise of the speakeasy that it was a secret that only people in the know knew about.

"This way we can control who comes into the bar and always have a record of their contact details."

The plans note the bar and shop will initially be open four days a week, with the shop opening from 11am until 6pm, and the bar section opening from 7pm to 1.30am if given the green light. Wooden panelling would create the interior's look.

Mr Holden confirmed that the antiques shop at the front section of the unit is now open, but did not wish to comment further on the application.

It comes after another speakeasy style bar was recently opened in Canterbury city centre, called The Privy, as a nod to its previous use as public toilets.