It was all hands to the pump as a new cafe, restaurant and bar opened in the old fire station in Chatham.

Just a few hours after the launch a steady flow of customers dropped by the all-day eatery in the town centre.

Among them were commuters heading off to the nearby Chatham station and families who came in for lunch.

Speaking after a soft launch, leaseholder Rebecca Collins, said : “We are very proud of our product here, but humble enough to know we are not going to get everything right immediately.That’s why we really welcome feedback, and so far it has been good.”

The Fire Station Cafe, which opened last Monday, is housed in the arches at New Cut in the town centre where multi-million pound regeneration plans are under way.

The diner and bar is open from 7am on week days serving three types of fresh coffee.

Breakfasts, brunch, dinners, speciality Sunday lunches and live music are all on offer.

Features inside include eye-catching artwork including a tongue-in-cheek sketch of the Sir Thomas Waghorn statue complete with his cone.

Rebecca commissioned Strood artist Ella Garner for the piece which has already attracted interest from visitors.

She said: “Everyone who knows Chatham knows ‘Cone Man’. While we should be proud of our heritage we should also not take ourselves too seriously.”

Rebecca, who also runs the Cooling Castle Barn venue, said: “There is something for everyone. A place to eat and drink and then sit back and listen to some music and sip cocktails in the evening.

“A funky Ronnie Scott-style atmosphere.”

Medway Council allocated £190,000 to buy and refurbish the former fire station.

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