Ranked as one of Kent’s best days out and attracting thousands of fans since opening at the turn of the year, there is no denying that business is booming for The Panic Room.

Arguably the greatest success story to emerge in Gravesend in recent times, the unique attraction is now preparing for its biggest expansion yet.

Not only will new rooms be opening at its main base in Berkeley Crescent, the entire operation will also have a presence across the river thanks to a deal with the UK’s biggest laser quasar arena.

Alex Souter, who runs The Panic Room alongside partner Monique, is predictably excited by the plans.

“We have done a deal with Laser Quasar Harlow, who have a very large presence in Essex,” he said.

“The guy who runs it contacted us because he wanted to start an escape room. He saw how well we had done in Kent and wanted to see if we wanted to open something up there.

“We are going to do some really big things here and raise the bar, not just for us but for escape rooms in general.” Alex Souter.

“A new version of The Panic Room will open there on July 22 and orders have already been going through the roof. There are 600 likes on the new Facebook page.”

If the people of Essex embrace the challenge as those of us in Kent have, Alex and Monique can look forward to even more good fortune.

Not that the couple will be neglecting Gravesend. The existing team in Harlow will be responsible for the day-to-day running of the new room, with Alex and Monique concentrating on their current home.

It will welcome a third room designed for two players — The Lab — on June 3, and then two new look rooms will replace the existing Panic Room and Witch House themes in July.

The Don and Urgency will both open on July 9, which should keep regulars coming back for more and continue to attract new faces.

Alex continued: “We are looking to keep Gravesend as our home base and it is always going to be our main focus.

“We are going to do some really big things here and raise the bar, not just for us but for escape rooms in general.”

People have come from far and wide to experience an hour of puzzle-solving and teamwork at The Panic Room, and it shows no sign of slowing down.

Those interested in checking out the new rooms are encouraged to book well in advance at thepanicroom.net.