When it comes to Kent’s cocktail bar scene, it’s safe to say I’ve been in mourning.

To me, Bramley’s in Canterbury had everything: the non-descript door and long corridor that revealed a hidden, Prohibition-style speakeasy; the quality cocktails made by mixologists in braces and waistcoats; the live music to be enjoyed by candlelight from the comfort of a Chesterfield in a vintage-style lounge.

It wasn’t just a bar, it was an experience.

But now, after a generous period of grieving since it closed last spring, it’s time to start my quest for a new favourite.

And it was as I was forlornly peering into Bramley’s window that there it was - a sign! To be precise, the reflection of an A-board saying “2 for £14 cocktails”.

I couldn’t believe my luck as I crossed the road to The Fig. A closer inspection showed tables lit by candles - tick, sofas - tick, mixologist in action - tick.

We took a seat in the corner with some gentle guitar music playing in the background and began browsing.

Despite never noticing it before, this snug 1930s-style bar, complete with filament spider lights, luxurious leather sofas and panelled walls, has been plying its trade on this backstreet for two years.

It’s pitched towards a slightly older crowd than most bars in the student-centric city and, just a stone’s throw away from the Marlowe, it’s also a natural choice for theatre-goers who rave about its charcuterie boards.

The drinks menu is compact but has all the big hitters you’d expect to see - old fashioneds, margaritas, martinis - as well as an extensive list of wines.

It was the house special cocktail that caught my eye though. We ordered two Figs, made to the bar’s own recipe of bourbon, fig liqueur, maple syrup, lemon juice and ginger beer, and the sound of shaking began.

The result was sublime - a smoky but sweet winter warmer that could rival any cocktail I’ve had in Kent to date. And all the better for working out at just £7 each - you’d struggle to get a warm Fosters for that an hour up the train line.

Maybe my search for a new favourite bar was going to be quicker than anticipated.

Despite being late afternoon, the place soon filled up - quite possibly because of the excellent offer - and it was also nice to see it has some regulars, with banter flying when one chap ordered a pornstar martini instead of his usual Moretti and another coming in for a beer to sup while he read his paper.

Mainly though, it appeared to be a date night venue, with a steady stream of couples looking to snuggle up in cosy corners with their matching cocktails.

Service was efficient and warm and barman Ali caught our eye a few times to check the drinks were up to scratch and see if we needed top-ups. We soon did.

Next up was a knock-your-socks-off espresso martini (all the better for being made with Tia Maria rather than the usual Kahlua) and an off-the-menu mocktail he made up specially for the designated driver - a rather pretty alcohol-free strawberry daiquiri with a sugar rim that would certainly do away with any hard feelings should you be attempting Dry January.

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It also quickly did away with any illusion of masculinity my drinking partner might have been trying to cultivate after his bourbon.

The Fig is a sophisticated bar that sticks to the philosophy of keeping things simple. The menu is traditional, the drinks are quality, there’s no theatrics and the hum of conversation is preferred to up-tempo tunes.

Instead, it concentrates on nurturing a warm, convivial ambience and, on that front, completely nails it.

While it didn’t immerse me like Bramley’s did, and my search for the perfect bar continues, I can at least now take one positive from its closure after finding this hidden gem.

It’s certainly going to be in the mix when deciding where to go for my next date night.

THE FIG, 6 Orange Street, Canterbury, CT1 2JA

Décor: The candles, low lighting and sofas make this a snug and cosy spot. The 1930s design is quite subtle compared to my beloved Bramley’s though, and from a drinker’s perspective it would have been nice to have barstool seating - as it was the bar area was somewhat cut off by a row of empty tables and chairs. However, given The Fig also does food I can imagine these would soon be in high demand at busier times ***

Drinks: There are no weak cocktails hiding behind a mass of crushed ice here. Everything was great quality and made from scratch with premium ingredients. Given how good the house special was though, it would be great to see some more of the bar’s own concoctions on the menu *****

Price: Cocktails range from £9.50 to £12 but are made very affordable with the 2 for £14 happy hour deal which runs daily from 4pm to 6pm. Drinks have to be the same, however ****

Staff: Service was warm and welcoming, with glasses cleared away quickly, tables kept immaculate and great table service. Ali was happy to come up with off-the-menu suggestions *****

Best for: Couples or pre-theatre