A new witchcraft and psychic development store is set to open in a town centre.

Known as an “Emporium of Folk Curiosities”, Grimhilda's Kitchen will be launching in the Royal Star Arcade, Maidstone.

Owner Richard Tingley never thought he would have the opportunity to open up his own place dedicated to the craft.

“I was always obsessed with witchcraft as a child,” he said. “When I was a teenager I moved into my mother's friend's house in Folkestone and she was a witch.

“It wasn't until I was 21 and I'd been practising for quite a while, that I spoke with my grandmother.

“She had a rather indignant look on her face and said ‘well I'm not surprised, we're witches’.

“My mother and I were completely aghast.”

It turns out that witchcraft has run in his family for hundreds of years and was only recently discovered that the line goes back to at least 1772.

In 2014, Richard had a small stall and would travel to different markets in the county selling items.

After being approached by a customer asking if he would teach her, the 43-year-old wrote an apprenticeship course.

Richard spent several years working in nursing care before turning his hand back to his main passion.

He said: “I've done a plethora of different jobs over the years. Just before this, I was a drag performer.

“I had been teaching witchcraft for about five or six years and decided to take a break.

“Naturally I dawned a frock and a great big wig, and I performed for wonderful people in care homes as a tribute to the late, great Danny La Rue.

“Then the ancestors wanted me to come back to this – so here I am.”

Richard believes there are many misconceptions surrounding witchcraft, all of which have evolved over the centuries.

One of the most common is that men cannot be witches. The shop owner says some go to call him a wizard, but this is a much older person with a wealth of knowledge.

Both men and women can be referred to as witches, “nothing more, nothing less” he added.

And while most people only dress up as witches for Halloween, Richard says that’s not his usual attire.

He said: “I'm not wearing a robe, I'm not wearing a pointed hat. Day-to-day life for me as a witch is as I am now.

“I have a robe – don't get me wrong – and on Midsummer's Eve it's wonderful to get all dressed up, but it's a costume.”

Richard practices and teaches Appalachian Granny Magic, as well as Voodoo and Hoodoo.

“There's magic in everything, as long as you believe in it,” he explained. “To me, it is a cultural craft, not a religion. Witchcraft is what you want it to be.

“We have our own ethics as individuals – you can change someone's life with a smile or you can bring someone down with a curse.

“It's your choice. No one judges you for that, only you. I believe that we were put here to keep the balance and that's what we do.”

His store will sell crystals, poppets, spell kits, candles, aromatherapy oils, herbs and more.

All of the products are sustainably sourced and from independent sellers.

Richard also plans to hold tarot card reading events and will continue teaching those who want to learn more about mediumship.

The building was formerly home to jewellers Custom & Co and in June last year was put up for rent.

So far Richard has spent around £30,000 on transforming the interior.

Located in the centre of the town, Royal Star Arcade can house up to 28 retail units.

It has seen several shops in recent years, including Maidstone Health Foods, Iris Hair and Beauty salon and The Canopy Bar.

However, there looks to be an influx of businesses opening in what is said to be a turning point for the shopping centre.

Richard says he is “not worried in the slightest” and believes people are looking for independent stores more now than chains.

“When I was a teenager I loved the Royal Star Arcade,” he said. “Then of course the worldwide recession hit.

“We've gone through Covid, the loss of the Queen and Brexit – just one thing after another.

“I think people are looking for something different, something more. Let's say if I opened on Fremlin Walk, no one would buy anything.

“I've got big black windows that let in a lot of light, I’ve got high ceilings. It leans to the look that I wanted.

“I am selling something different and having the added bonus of the security here is a comfort.”

The store is set to launch on Saturday, July 20. An official ribbon cutting will be carried out by Richard’s close friend, councillor Claire Kehily (Green).