Men won’t be allowed inside a new cocktail bar unless they are accompanied by a woman.

Mavericks Ladies’ Lounge is looking to introduce the unusual rule when it opens in High Street, Rochester, this weekend.

The idea is provide a female-friendly environment aimed at “ladies who lunch”, with treats such as prosecco-flowing bottomless brunches.

Behind the venture are lifelong friends Maria Perry and Vikki Moss-Kelly who have high hopes for the bar.

It is based in what used to be Latino Joes, a Mexican diner at the historic Royal Victoria and Bull Hotel.

The partners describe it as an “exclusive women’s bar with a custom design that exudes opulence and extravagance through its golden ambience”.

Male customers are welcome but they must be accompanied by their opposite-sex companion, whether it’s their partner, relative or friend.

The 50-something friends came up with the idea years ago and jumped at the chance when the prime town centre spot became available.

Maria, who has worked in hospitality, said: “We noticed it used to be 50/50 men and women in Rochester and in recent years it has become more 80% men and 20% women.

“You still get the under-25s going to the Casino [nightclub], but there seemed a gap in the market for older women.

“We want it to be a place where women feel comfortable, somewhere nice with nice music and nice surroundings.

“We are here to make them feel welcome and not be judged.”

The duo met at school, have brought up their families together, socialise with each other and even live near each other in City Way, Rochester.

Vikki, a mum of two grown-up sons and a grandmother, has given up her job safeguarding young people to devote her time to the business.

The name Maverick came from a suggestion on a girls’ holiday in Marbella, Spain, and is a blend of their names.

They have spent the last five weeks giving the place their personal touch with plenty of glitz, feathers, gold ornaments and flowers adorning the three “zones”.

There‘s a place to sit and enjoy brunch and drinks, somewhere to boogie and a chill-out area.

They have raided their homes to stamp their mark on the lounge and relied heavily on help from their close-knit families,

Vikki, who has worked with youngsters in schools and prison, said: “It’s not a nightclub or a place where women come to pull.

“Older women like to eat out during the day and it can be easier to get a babysitter.

“We are not saying ‘no men’, but they must come in with their female companion.

“We might get men who say ‘You go there while I go and watch the football in a pub’.

“Or perhaps, you’ve had a row with your boyfriend and just want to get out.

“Come in on your own or catch up with friends as well as make new friends.”

The menu offers burgers with vegan and vegetarian options and oven-baked pizzas all cooked on-site.

Meals are washed down with two hours’ worth of limitless prosecco, mimosas or a selection of soft drinks.

Opening hours are Thursday, 5pm to 11pm; Friday and Saturday noon to midnight and Sunday noon to 8pm.