A swanky cocktail lounge selling top-notch tipples will open for business in Rochester today.

A drinks specialist will be shaking his stuff behind the bar at The Mixologist in the High Street.

Harvey-Hugo-Austin-Francis putting together one of his creations

Plush furniture has been installed in cosy-themed rooms at the three-floor historic listed building near Rochester Bridge, which used to be Bistro M.

Accountant Helen Finch and her partner Oliver Tullett, ex-policeman and management consultant, are behind the venture.

The couple, who live in Blue Bell Hill, are basing the business on bars they liked to frequent in London in and out of lockdown.

Oliver, 50, said: "We wanted to have somewhere where you can relax either before or after a meal, and saw there was not anything like we wanted in Rochester.

"Over the pandemic there was table service only, and limited to a couple of hours, which is fine. But there was nowhere to go if you wanted a drink afterwards."

Trained mixologist Harvey-Hugo-Austin-Francis, who has worked at venues in London and across Kent, was recruited to introduce his own drinks menu.

There are about 30 cocktails on offer, including non-alcoholic mocktails, ranging in price between £10 to £15.

As well as the familiar ones, such as tequila sunrise and espresso Martini, Harvey has created his own concoctions using his homegrown flowers and, where possible, locally-made liquor.

His creations include Fish out of Water made from Curacao, Aloe Vera and lime and Kentish Maiden, using a gin made in Maidstone with lemon and cucumber.

The first two floors will be opened initially with a themed Butterfly Room to the garden designed by a florist who has worked in venues in Chelsea.

The top storey may in the future be used for personal parties with guests having their own personal mixologist and taster evenings.

The kitchen is currently not up and running, but olives and nuts will be available.

Oliver added: "We are looking to do some food but it has to go with cocktails.

"The chairs are low level to give it a lounge feel, so it has to be something where you can have a small plate with a drink in the other hand."

Helen, 45, said: "We want to bring something different to the town. We have plush velvety furnishings. It will have the feel of a gentleman's club."

Opening hours are noon to 11pm Wednesday to Saturday and noon to 10.30pm on Sunday.