The success of a pioneering coffee shop has prompted the owner to launch a second business in a neighbouring town.

The Deaf Cat welcomed its first customers in Rochester High Street 15 years ago and has just opened in Fremlin Walk, Maidstone.

Kevan Middleton, a former television advert creator and newspaper graphic designer, is the man behind the venture and says opening his second shop is a dream come true.

The 57-year-old dad said: “It has been a long-term dream of mine to open a second coffee shop and to provide locally-produced quality coffee and provide an inspirational space for people to enjoy.

“I finally had the opportunity to complete my ‘mini grand designs’ project and open my second shop.”

While many competitors were hit hard financially during the lockdown followed by the cost of living crisis, Kevan, 57, bucked the trend.

His partner, businesswoman Michelle Woodland, said Kevan looked ahead, opening a window counter serving takeaway drinks and cakes.

Michelle, 45, said: “People in Rochester remained loyal to independent businesses during Covid and we ended up getting more new customers.

“It became the highlight of people’s day - going for a walk and getting a coffee.”

She said Kevan managed to put a bit of money away during that period - enough to invest in Deaf Cat Coffee Maidstone.

Being a talented designer, he stripped the unit bare in Earl Street at the bottom of Fremlin Walk and has spent the last year stamping his mark on the place.

He has been inspired by his friend, artist James Worse’s work, and as a nod to the old Fremlin Brewery which occupied the site an elephant, which was on the company’s logo, is embedded in a wall mural.

Kevan opened his first business near the bridge in Rochester before moving to his current site in the middle of the town, opposite the war memorial, six months later.

The coffee shop was originally aimed at the town’s creative sector - a place where artists could discuss their work over a drink and bite to eat.

It gained its quirky name from the town’s most famous son Charles Dickens who loved cats.

His favourite was a deaf feline, to such an extent that when she died he had her paw stuffed and used it as an envelope opener.

In a town boasting numerous cafes and tea shops - at the last count, there were nearly 30 in about a third of a mile - how has Deaf Cat survived?

Kevan said he thrived on competition - indeed he thinks it’s healthy.

When the coffee giant Costa announced it was moving into a predominantly independent retail centre, while many were outraged he welcomed it.

Kevan, who is dad to Bobs, aged nine and lives in St Mary’s Island, Chatham, is now spending his time between his two businesses.

The unit in Fremlin Walk used to be occupied by the VivasLas Vegan eatery.