The owners of a vegan restaurant which closed last month are opening a new bar in the same place, but with meat on the menu.

The Rainbow Skull Grill in Royal Star Arcade, Maidstone, shut on December 18 due to rising energy and food costs.

However, less than a month after closing its owners have announced they will be returning to the town centre site on Saturday, February 4 – but with a big change.

Instead of being a fully vegan restaurant it will now be called The Skull Bar and serve craft beer, rum selections, cocktails and "simple" food like burgers and chicken wings.

It will also be offering vegan options for those on a plant-based diet.

The restaurant lasted for just under a year in the Royal Star Arcade having spent some time at the White Horse pub in London Road.

When asked about the possible backlash for adding meat to their menu, owner Tammy Tegun said: "I suspect some militant vegans will be upset about it. The ones I've spoken to are just happy our business is going to survive.

"But saying that I don't think having a 100% vegan business in the current economic climate is financially viable.

"We will still be doing vegan options though, so they can still come for drink and food of they want but we're trying to get away from being a restaurant and focus on being a bar that more of the whole community can come and enjoy, not just such a small demographic.

"Ideally what we want is the craft beers and cocktails to be the main thing people come for, and then have a dirty burger or some sides with us if they fancy it."

One of the burgers on the menu has been called the Kevin Bacon Burger.

When vegan café Viva Las Vegan added fish and dairy to its menu last year it was met with criticism from some people.

The shop, which was in Earl Street and has since closed, was criticised for "putting profits over ethics".