by Chris Hunter

chunter@thekmgroup.co.uk

Could it be a future of Arabian nights at a popular nightspot in the County Town?

According to business agents Christie + Co, property in Maidstone is attracting serious interest from Middle Eastern, Indian and Chinese investors, with Banks Wine Bar & Restaurant in Bank Street the latest to draw attention from the east.

We’ve had a lot of interest from foreign investors in Banks and Maidstone in general,” said Andrew Moore, who is handling the sale. “They see the UK as reasonable place to invest and the South East is the most affluent area.”

Recent sales to have attracted similar interest include that of Ethos on Gabriels Hill, now a branch of bookmakers Paddy Power, and the building on the corner of Pudding Lane and the High Street, now Buddha Belly restaurant.

Mr Moore said he hoped the identity of Banks wouldn’t change too radically under the new ownership, and believed Bank Street would continue to thrive as a centre for Maidstone nightlife.

They were sentiments echoed by current owner Ainslie Vine, who runs the bar with partner Julie Lucas.

“We’re hoping an independent gets it because it’s one of the last independently owned clubs in Maidstone,” he said. “We’d love to see it stay like that.

He said he would be sad to leave after 12 years but was looking forward to retiring and spending time in France.

“This is a young person’s industry,” he added. ”

The freehold interest of Banks Wine Bar & Restaurant is available for an asking price of £749,950.

For further information about businesses go to www.christie.com