A drag artist and cabaret performer has paid tribute to a popular Maidstone restaurant and nightclub business after it was ravaged by fire.

Chris Garner, aka Madame Mu Mu, fought back tears as the devastating blaze ripped through the venue in Week Street in the early hours of yesterday morning.

At its height, 60 firefighters were on the scene, with an extensive cordon placed around the area.

Shocking drone images revealed the extensive damage caused to the roof of the complex which incorporates FiFi's Brasserie, cocktail lounge the Laundry Room, Mu Mu and Irish pub Nellie Gerkins.

No one was injured in the blaze and an investigation has been launched into the cause of the fire.

It came less then a week before social distancing rules are to be scrapped in England, something those in the hospitality industry, particularly nightclubs, have long called for.

In a post on the performer's Instagram, the drag artist described watching the "agony" unfold as the "opportunity and potential" of reopening was ripped away from them on the eve of the venue's return.

The self confessed queen of Kent's county town said: "The horizon looked bright with hope, especially after the year we have had.

"When I came out of lockdown, sat above the audience, completing my drag transformation, I slipped my body and feet into material things.

"Filled with nerves, and having been preparing for the show, I stepped out to greet customers, friends, strangers, potential new friends, happy faces and an energy that you just can’t bottle.

The cabaret star added: "Instantly the nerves disappeared. We were back. There was hope."

Chris, who found his drag alter ego after fleeing Zimbabwe for the UK, said the passion of the club's owners, who have run the business for 29 years, was "infectious" and he had felt inspired by their "raw determination to succeed".

But as yesterday's events took hold he fought back tears as their "agony" unfolded.

The post continued: "Today I watched their agony. The world on their shoulders. Our 'normal' lives about to explode with opportunity and potential

"It was hard not to hold back the tears. I took stock and from my mind I chucked out, to safety, my memories of Mu Mu. More good times than I could count.

"In my memories I could see how the building just came to life when it was filled with energy and spirit.

"From that I could then see as the doors and the mechanics of the systems put in place to protect us kicked into action as the venue, desperately tried to save itself."

The drag artist went on to state the damage had left a scar, describing it as a "deep and heavy wound".

But the performer remained steadfast in his conviction it will not stop the owners and all those associated with the venue from returning.

"Determination for survival is haunting and beautiful. It’s also a reminder of how fragile it all is," the post added.

"We are never guaranteed tomorrow so enjoy today. Thank you for the love and support. To all of Mu Mu…I love you."

Yesterday the club's owner Ciaran O'Quigley spoke of the devastation the fire had caused in a statement.

"We have had the toughest of 18 months and were just one week away from the first grasps at normality," it read.

"As a family, we are attempting to digest this horrific tragedy and we ask all customers to bear with us – we have no offices, no computers, no equipment, no phone lines, no access to our venue at all - These have all been taken as a result of this atrocious fire.

"At present, our venue remains closed and we as a family attempt to digest this tragedy which has ripped through our lives and our business - whilst we are unable to access your emails at this time, we are already overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support.

"We will be back. That much is certain."

A fundraising page has now been set up for the business by local residents.

Read more: All the latest news from Maidstone