Tell your other half you're just popping out to The Strip Club for a night out, and you may get more than a raised eyebrow.

That's the name of Rochester's newest eatery and bar, set in historic tunnels under the High Street.

But don't expect to be entertained with performers bearing all to titillate guests in a murky dive.

Instead, you will be exposed to a range of up to 40 cocktails, with live music and a DJ set in atmospheric surroundings.

It's the latest venture of Scott Rozario who also runs the Cheeky Clucker chicken restaurant upstairs.

He said: "It's a play on words, like the Cheeky Clucker and, yes we did get a few strange remarks and had to explain when it went on social media.

"It's basically because upstairs we serve more saucy food and this is more simple food like strips of chicken. And upstairs is for families and this is for over 18s only."

Scott, 36, took over the business during lockdown and was forced to operate a take-away service only to begin with.

When he was able to open the restaurant a year ago, it really took off.

He said: "We built up a loyal clientèle delivering across Medway.

"I think we were lucky because people wanted to try something different. And it paid off because when we were able to reopen people came in to eat.

"When we got the place we discovered the two rooms underneath in the tunnels and thought we really should make use of it."

Scott, from Strood who now lives in Rochester, describes himself as an entrepreneur having launched a successful vape shop, Vaperizzo in nearby Victoria Street seven years ago.

He runs the restaurant with business partner Danny Howe. His parents Lloyd and Lisa, and brother Ashley help at the vape shop.

Scott said: "When me and my brother worked at Vaperizzo together we used to finish late. We both like good quality chicken wings and there was nowhere to get them here.

"Ours are at another level, like I used to get when I lived in London.

"I like to think we are giving something back to Rochester. People come in and say it's like being in London.

"There's nothing quite like this in Rochester. The ambience in the tunnels is amazing."

Scott has had the walls and floors re-stained, built a bar and DJ booth and his friend Harry Luderman has created the graffiti-style wall coverings.

The Strip Club, which opened last Friday, seats 50 people while upstairs another 58 can be seated.

The menu, prepared by head chef Josiah Brogan, comprises sharing plates, "naked chicken strips" and there are vegetarian and vegan options.

There are four categories of cocktails, including sweet shop cocktails.

He said: "We had a bit of fun with that. We have black jacks, fizzy lemon sherberts and Dr Pepper flavours and they are reasonably priced."

The venue is available for private hire and themed music nights are currently being planned.

Opening times are Thursday 5pm to 10pm, Friday 5pm to 11pm, Saturday 12.30pm to 11pm and Sunday,12.30pm to 9pm.