A high street cafe that closed after more than a decade of trading is to become a new jazz and blues watering hole.

The Grapevine Champagne & Jazz Bar is to open its doors in Tenterden this summer.

The company already has an existing venue in Rye, meaning its Kent branch will be the second on its books.

It will replace Savannah Coffee Shop, which called it a day earlier this year after 14 years at The Cellars premises.

The Grapevine has been running in Rye since 2015 and serves guests fine wines, handcrafted cocktails and champagne.

It also offers live jazz music from a range of local musicians five nights each week.

One of its key figures is co-owner and East Sussex resident Oliver Kinsley.

The 23-year-old, who first managed the bar in 2019, left the bistro during the pandemic to set-up a digital marketing company.

After the former Open University student then “got very lucky” with the business, he decided to purchase The Grapevine having found a business partner in 54-year-old Peter Ockenden.

He says its success has left him wanting to continue a career in hospitality and running jazz bars.

His passion has led to him now earmarking Tenterden as the next chapter in The Grapevine’s journey.

Mr Kinsley explained: “The Grapevine in Rye has been running since 2015, but we took it over in 2021.

“I left due to Covid and set up a business which I got very lucky with, but then had the opportunity to purchase the bar and found a business partner in Peter.

“We kept the name, although focused on more of the champagne, jazz and live music aspect.

“What we have in Rye works so we believe if it’s not broke don’t fix it.

“Tenterden is a beautiful town and has a few pubs there already, however, we think we can offer something a little bit different.

“I used to live there when I was younger too so it’s a place close to my heart.”

Mr Kinsley believes keeping the foundations of its sister bar in Rye will allow the brand’s new set-up to thrive equally as well.

“Our speciality is wine and champagnes, so we will continue to offer our own brand but also some international wines,” he added.

“We will also be keeping our art nouveau interior style and signature red lightning.

“Offering a bit more food is also something we’re aiming to do, such as some Mediterranean-inspired light bites.

“So it will primarily be a bar but with a bit of a bistro set-up.

“We plan to do live jazz and blues music most evenings and certainly on weekends.”

When asked when The Grapevine will begin its journey in Kent, Mr Kinsley replied: “We’re starting work this week to get everything ready.

“Then we’re aiming to open in July, although we are being ambitious and hoping to possibly make that date at the end of June.”

Residents of Tenterden appear just as excited by the company’s plans, which, once complete, are expected to cost between £60,000 to £80,000

Speaking online, one person said: “Great news for the town.”

Another added: “This is fab. Rye has been our favourite place with our besties for a long time.”