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The owners of a high street nightclub have revealed how they transformed their business into a town centre stalwart.
Couple Karl Ahmad and Debbie Whitehead bought the former Planets Nite Club in Herne Bay in 2010, which had been closed down, and renamed it Vivid.
Despite spending £80,000 on its refurbishment, the pair initially struggled to compete with the 800-capacity The Talk in Central Parade.
Mr Ahmad, 58, said: “In 2006, The Talk opened on the seafront, which was an all-singing, all-dancing nightclub, and Planets got mullered by it and closed down.
“I took a chance and I took it over. Talk was still open and we struggled for the first month or so.”
The couple quickly turned their fortunes around by building relationships with local pubs – including the likes of the Bun Penny and the Queen Victoria.
“As time’s gone by they’ve all gone out of business, which hasn’t helped the town be busy in the night,” Karl added.
“But our figures have stayed the same, so we’ve not really noticed a change in the attendances here.”
In a shocking incident, father-of-four Karl was stabbed outside the nightspot three years ago and had to undergo major surgery.
Anthony Ridge, 44, was found guilty of the attack in November last year.
While some people may have been tempted to quit after such an ordeal, Karl was determined to keep going.
Today, the club remains a popular haunt for people across the town, regularly attracting between 100 and 150 revellers a night.
“We think Vivid is very important for Herne Bay,” Mr Ahmad continued.
“All over the country clubs are closing down.
“We’re very fortunate here because we have regulars who come back here week after week.
“Some of those who come here were here from day one.”
Vivid will be holding a 10th anniversary party hosted by kmfm DJ Rob Wills tonight.
Until 11.30pm, pints of Foster's and Strongbow will cost punters £1.50 each and vodka mixers will be available for £1.70.
