December 2020 was disheartening for the hospitality sector who faced further Covid-19 restrictions, so Caxtons was pleased to complete on a new lease for the iconic Green Room in the centre of Maidstone for one happy ‘hospitality’ tenant.
The building, previously a Pizza Express, which closed due to the pandemic, occupies a prestigious position directly opposite the Hazlitt Theatre at 32-34 Earl Street in the town centre.
Caxtons jointly marketed the property and Managing Director Neil Chatterton says he “…was really pleased when Richie Carrera, Managing Partner of Unity Parties Ltd1 and a well-known dj, and events and promotions manager showed interest.
The Unity group comprises Richie, Daniel Adams, Matt Shead and Chris Ansell, and they have agreed a new 10-year lease from landlords, The Gravesend and District Real Estate Company Limited.
“Richie was born in Leeds, but is now a devoted resident of Maidstone and has been for the past 15-years. He and his partners have great ambitions for the Green Room and plans for an Easter weekend opening – all being well and bearing in mind Covid restrictions. We are delighted that we were able to agree terms with Richie and his team, and that the letting happened so fast, which was thanks to both parties working closely together.”
The imposing Italianate style Grade II listed building is arranged over four floors, including basement, and has a total gross internal area of approximately 8,930 sq ft. A Premises Licence is already in place and, when let, the building had a variety of customer, staff and administrative areas. When marketed, on its first, second and third floors, the property featured a reception area, several customer trading areas, external seating area to the front, a pizza oven and food prep-kitchen, a private function room, mezzanine seating, a private dining room, a further kitchen prep-room, staff room and storage area. In addition, the basement benefit from an open plan customer trading area, a fully fitted commercial kitchen, staff facilities and ancillary storage areas.
However, Richie has exciting plans to reinvigorate and make use of the whole building, which include:
- a Whiskey & Gin Bar – for which sponsorship has already be agreed with Bullet Bourbon, and Richie is in talks with Maidstone Gin, which they hope to stock
- Back Yard restaurant, serving Napoli Pizza – making great use of the pizza oven
- The 80s Den – inspired by the 80s with a pool table, 80’s arcade games & its own unique bar & seating.
- Deep Routed Wax – a vinyl record shop
- the old Jazz Club will remain and be used as an events space
- and on the top floor will be a Members Only club – the Sky Lounge – serving champagne and cocktails, which will have a limited membership of 200, by invitation
Richie and the team are currently decorating and fitting out the property in readiness for the forthcoming opening and are already offering a takeaway service.
Richie’s enthusiasm is infectious, and his successful track record bodes well for the future. He says his biggest claim to fame was being the promoter to convince Idris Elba into a full DJ set at EGG London. In addition, Richie was promotions manager for We Are FSTVL for 2-years and he’s run his own successful events company for many years.
If you are a tenant, landlord or owner and are interested in finding out more about the property services Caxtons’ provides email Neil at [email protected] or phone 01474 537733.
1Unity Parties Ltd : partners
Daniel Adams – Runs his own successful tech company, building apps and web sites
Chris Ansell – joint owner of Signs & More, the ever growing sign company based in Aylesford
Matt Shead – is Manager of the family owned & run Brookside Garden Centre in Paddock Wood
