Step into paradise and sip a cool cocktail or bubble tea – in the middle of a town centre.

The Beach Bar at Royal Star Arcade in Maidstone will be selling alcoholic and soft drinks next to the popular Pad Thai Live diner after opening recently.

Richy Williams, owner of both businesses, said: “We have always done well in Maidstone and felt we were missing an opportunity not being able to serve drinks.

“Now our customers can get something to eat and sit down next door with a drink. “

Richy, 44, launched his latest venture in the county with Thai-born wife Nic in time for the Thai New Year a fortnight ago.

He said: ”It’s very heavily-themed with lots of bamboo, a palm tree and the sounds of sea set on a Thai beach.

“Hopefully, it will bring a bit of paradise into the centre.”

The couple, who met in Thailand, started off selling food at a gazebo in Lockmeadow and at festivals in 2017.

The following year they opened up a restaurant in Gravesend, followed by the eatery in Maidstone.

Their branch at the Dockside Outlet Centre in Chatham launched in 2020.

Former salesman Richy added: “We never dreamt in those early days it would be so successful.”

He revealed he is excited to have expanded his portfolio at the Royal Star Arcade despite there being a number of shop closures at the shopping centre in recent years.

He said: “There seems to be somewhat of a resurgence here with talk of new businesses moving in.”

Richy and Nic who have 13-year-old son Joe, now employ 25 people across their outlets.