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Kent Drinks Co. leaves Lockmeadow's Love Food Hall in Maidstone

A second bar at a food hall has shut less than a year after opening.

Kent Drinks Co. replaced the Moondance Bar at Lockmeadow in Maidstone last April.

The Kent Drinks Co. is the second bar to leave the £467,000 food hall since it opened. Picture: Fit Out
The Kent Drinks Co. is the second bar to leave the £467,000 food hall since it opened. Picture: Fit Out

The company, which is run by Karl Cowell and Roxii Hoare-Smith, opened at the £467,000 Love Food Hall in Barker Road and offered customers some of the county's best beverages.

It replaced the Moondance Bar, which was next to the Notorious BRG unit, after it closed less than six months after opening.

Now Kent Drinks Co. has vacated the spot and invited people along to its closing weekend party on Saturday and Sunday.

A spokesman said: "We are exploring options for a new venue that has our own space for tastings and events but we will still be using our Horsebox for events and private parties.

"We want to spend more time together as a family before looking for a new home for Kent Drinks Co. in the near future.

Karl Cowell, director of Kent Drinks Co. says the business is looking for a new venue
Karl Cowell, director of Kent Drinks Co. says the business is looking for a new venue

"We also have some exciting upcoming projects we are working on. We have events coming up for Kent Drinks Co. including a Gin and Fine Dining pairing with Funky Feast at Uniquely Bohemian on Valentines day.

"You will still see Karl’s face at Lockmeadow as he continues to work with Notorious BRG. There is a new shop replacing the bar but it won’t be selling drinks anymore.

"Drinks will be available across all the retailers instead.

"This is not the end of Kent Drinks Co. It is just a side step after six months of learning and falling even more in love with our brand/concept.

The Love Food food hall opened at Lockmeadow in November 2021. Picture: Fit Out
The Love Food food hall opened at Lockmeadow in November 2021. Picture: Fit Out

"We would love for you to join us for our closing weekend where you can enjoy a range of drink offers as we try and clean the shelves."

It comes after Produced in Kent warned the county's food and drink sector is "in crisis".

Kent Drinks Co. stocked drinks from Maidstone Distillery, Anno Distillers in Tonbridge, Copper River Distillery in Chatham, Dudda’s Tun Cider in Sittingbourne, Curious Brewery in Ashford, Chapel Down in Tenterden and Balfour Wines in Staplehurst.

The bar also served soft drinks, milkshakes and ice lollies - both alcoholic and fruit based - and run a shop selling Kent spirits, private virtual and in-person tastings, and garden parties and has plans to include a cocktail menu in future.

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