The Bohemian
A café by day and wine bar by night, bringing food, conversation, music and an eclectic programme of events to Chatham Intra, Medway, Kent.
Wander across the crossroads at Star Hill from Rochester High Street towards Chatham Intra you will find The Bohemian. A decadent space that feels less like somewhere to pop in for a quick coffee or a cheeky glass of wine and more like a meeting place. Café by day and wine bar by night, it’s a place where food, conversation, music and an eclectic programme of events come together inside this stretch of the high streets more distinctive buildings.
The setting has its own story. In 1870’s, No. 2 High Street was home to florist and seedsman Henry Lawrence, whose shop was supported by growing grounds in nearby Albany Road. The distinctive chinoiserie conservatory style remains the buildings defining feature today, while the elaborate orangery style glazed frontage provides a theatrical introduction to The Bohemians maximalist interiors. Billy’s love of music hall and theatre helped shape the idea for the space, an influence that becomes clearer with each return visit.
The frontage give a hint of what awaits inside, but certainly not all of it. Through the door, past the large framed picture of a fox, the downstairs opens into a small bar filled with comfortable chairs, cakes beneath glass domes and details that are only seen when taking a second look. Upstairs, the maximalist continues: missed matched tables and seating, richly patterned walls, framed portraits, draped curtains and a small stage overlooks the high street.
There is something of an eccentric relative’s parlour about it, though one where a life size Freddie Mercury appears alongside portraits of Lily Savage and drag icons from yesteryear.
The eclecticism is not confined to the décor. A creative writing evening might be followed by a knitting circle, book club, psychic night, burlesque, bring-your-own-vinyl nights, drag tea party, open mic session or magic show. There is no obvious formula, but that’s the point. Anything goes.
The Bohemian feels perfectly at home in Chatham Intra. With artist studios, galleries and independent creative spaces scattered along this stretch of road between Rochester and Chatham, this venue provides something slightly different: somewhere for creative communities and anyone who is curious enough to visit and just spend time.
Food here is more a supporting detail rather than the whole story. Mornings are for coffee and pastries, with light and seasonal food during the day while evenings lean into wine, cheese and sharing boards.
The Bohemian feels difficult to categorise. Part café, part wine bar, part performance space and part parlour. Its perhaps best understood as simply a place to come together.
Good to Know
Café by day, wine bar by night
Light bites, cakes, pastries and sharing boards
Small bistro tables outside
Some events are ticketed and pay on the door
Check what’s on before making a special journey
Equally suited for dropping in without a plan
Solo visits are not out of place
