Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
Bar plans for former sweet shop
A former sweet shop in the city centre could soon do a disappearing act, to become a ‘magic’ bar.
It follows the granting of planning permission for the change of use of Benji’s in St Peter’s Street to a new entertainment venue.
Houdini’s Magic Bar is the brainchild of Sam Watson, who already runs a similar business in Broadstairs.
On Tuesday, he successfully applied to the council’s planning committee for the new use, although will still need separate approval for a drinks licence.
Mr Watson says the bar will “add to the theatre and culture” of the area and insists it is not simply a late-night drinking venue.
“The concept of the magic bar is unique and has attracted lots of tourism to Broadstairs in the time we have been open,” he said.
“We will provide live magic entertainment to our customers on a small scale while people enjoy a sophisticated beverage.”
In order to appease residents who live nearby, the bar will close at 11pm every night, with Mr Watson stressing it will not give rise to the issues normally associated with a drinking establishment.