Got £750,000 spare? You could buy town centre bar
One of Maidstone’s most long-established bars is on the market
for £750,000.
Banks bar and restaurant in Bank Street has been put up for
sale after the current owners decided to retire.
Julie Lucas and Ainslie Vine, her partner and business
associate, have run the nightspot for 12 years.
Miss Lucas plans to retire from the county town's social scene
and hopefully enjoy a quieter life.
She said: “It has been the most amazing 12 years, but it is
hard work and there are a lot of regulations. And you see things
change – these days there are much less business lunches.
"But I have had the most loyal customers. You see people
that started clubbing with us when they were young return with
their children for lunch years down the line.”
Advertised through Christie and Co for £749,950, the new owner
will get a Grade 2 listed building, split-level bar, large rear
garden that can hold around 150 people, and two flats on the top
floor.
As one of Maidstone's independent venues, the bar has
withstood competition from larger operators such as Beluga Bar
which opened in Bank Street in February 2009.
Banks is best known for hosting nights featuring famous DJs such
as Sasha, Mark Knight and Robbie Vincent.
It employs 20 staff mainly in part-time roles.
Miss Lucas added: “At the moment we open two nights a week,
Friday and Saturday, and over six lunchtimes. There is the
opportunity here for someone younger to extend that and do
different things with the business.”
14/01/13
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