The Bohemian: building on Chatham’s character

Chatham has long been known for its history, waterfront and strong sense of community. Today, investment across the town is creating new opportunities for residents, businesses and visitors, while building on the qualities that make Chatham distinctive – including its growing cultural and creative scene.

For local business owner Kieran-Miguel and his partner, it was this combination of heritage, community, culture and opportunity that helped make Chatham the right place for their latest venture. 

Having previously spent a number of years running pubs in Rochester and Rainham, the couple opened The Bohemian, a café and wine bar on Intra High Street in May 2026. 

“We were drawn to the historic and waterfront location of Chatham. It’s a great place to establish a business, as there is a vibrant cultural and creative scene, full of wonderful people wanting to connect."

The Bohemian is open daily from 8am to late, offering everything from morning coffee and a place to catch up with friends or read a book, through to an evening destination for small plates, music and events. The couple also host themed evenings including poetry nights, creative workshops and cabaret.

“We wanted to create somewhere that could offer something different throughout the day and provide a place where people can come together, meet friends and enjoy something a little different.” Keiran-Miguel explains.

Having previously lived in London, Kieran-Miguel has known Chatham and the wider Medway area for many years and has seen how the area has developed. 

“There has been a lot of improvement over the past 20 years, particularly around the waterfront, with new homes and improved public spaces, as well as a welcoming community.

“It's also exciting to see an iconic building like Mountbatten House being redeveloped into new homes, along with new businesses continuing to arrive on the High Street. We’ve really found somewhere special and feel part of the community.” Said Keiran-Miguel.

The Bohemian is one example of an independent business choosing to establish itself in Chatham, adding to the town’s growing mix of independent businesses, cultural activity and places for people to meet and spend time.

Alongside this growing cultural and creative offer, investment is helping to bring new life to existing buildings and create new homes in the heart of the town. The redevelopment of The New Tide at Mountbatten House is one part of this wider picture, bringing a long-standing building back into use as new homes.

For Medway Development Company, this reflects the wider opportunity for Chatham: creating new homes while supporting the town’s existing character and helping to create places where people want to live, work, visit and invest.

Chatham’s heritage, waterfront, independent businesses and strong community provide a foundation to build on, with continued investment creating opportunities for the town while retaining the qualities that make it a distinctive part of Medway.

Find out more about The New Tide and Medway Development Company’s wider programme of new homes at Medway Development Company or The New Tide.