by Angela Cole
acole@thekmgroup.co.uk

A taste of 50s style America will be unveiled in Maidstone later this month.
The former Zebra bar and Babylon nightclub in King Street is to be reopened as INK bar, diner and lounge.

Workmen have already started gutting the building and putting in bespoke furniture – including red and white diner-style seating – and a bar, ahead of an official opening night on Saturday, September 29.

Those behind the bar said the firm had chosen to open the first INK bar in the County Town as it was renowned for its buzzing nightlife, and the firm’s backers were hoping that the King Street site would become their flagship venue as they plan to open more INK bars in the South East.

The 9,500sq ft venue will be a family-friendly American diner by day, selling handmade ice cream, milkshakes and classic American food, served by waiters and waitresses in 50s style clothes while by night it will be a club for all ages.

The opening night will be attended by stars from ITV2 reality show The Only Way is Essex and an Elvis impersonator.

The building was formerly home to Zebra Bar which closed in August 2009, and was replaced by Babylon: Live Lounge which opened in April 2010 and closed earlier this year.