A new bar is on a mission to raise community spirits in Maidstone with a range of locally-sourced drinks.

Run by Karl Cowell, 29, and Roxii Hoare-Smith, 28, Kent Drinks Co. will open at Love Food @ Lockmeadow in Barker Road on Saturday, April 30.

Customers will get to enjoy an authentic taste of Kent through the bar, which aims to support local brewers, vineyards and distillers with its range of spirits, beers, ciders and wines.

It follows the success of the pair's Kent Gin Co. which was set up during the Covid-19 pandemic to offer virtual tastings.

Mr Cowell said: “We are so excited to be opening our first bar in our hometown.

"We are extremely passionate about serving our customers the finest quality products and supporting local businesses.

"As our amazing county continues to produce more and more award winning spirits, beers and wines, we felt a bar that supports and celebrates Kent produce was exactly what was needed in the County Town.”

He told of his excitement of opening the business as he's "always been on the other side of bars" through his experiences working at nightclubs and events.

Drinks stocked will be from Maidstone Distillery, Anno Distillers in Tonbridge, Copper River Distillery in Chatham, Dudda’s Tun Cider in Sittingbourne, Curious Brewery in Ashford, Chapel Down in Tenterden and Balfour Wines in Staplehurst.

The bar will also serve soft drinks, milkshakes and ice lollies - both alcoholic and fruit based - and run a shop selling Kent spirits, private virtual and in-person tastings, and garden parties and has plans to include a cocktail menu in future.

Kent Drinks Co. will also run an in-person tasting at the food hall.

The bar will take the place of the The Moondance Bar, which was one of eight tenants to join the complex last November, but officially closed last Friday. april22

It will open from noon to 9pm Tuesdays to Saturdays and until 6.30pm on Sundays.