Beat the vault to claim the swag in Kent’s biggest bank heist – without ending up behind bars.
That is the challenge set in a new, high-spec escape room opening its (genuine bank) doors from today (January 31).
The Bank Job has been created in the largest of four vaults at The Counting House in Broadstairs High Street. The venue was formerly a Lloyds bank branch and retains many of the original features – including the vaults, their doors and the bullion safe.
The latest venture is the creation of Dan Kelsall, who owns The Counting House with wife Teresa, and electrician Steve Porritt.
The duo have spent six months and ‘thousands of hours’ building, designing and fitting out the impressive vault room and say it will be a “unique, immersive experience.”
Steve originally came onboard to carry out refurbishment and electrics work at The Counting House bar, which opened last August, but then the pair got chatting.
Dan said: “We realised we both shared a passion for developing a premium escape room, something very high end.
“In most escape rooms they have to build everything, here we were given the gift of having the vault already and all the cool stuff from an old bank. Rather than just play the game and then go home, people can have tea, a pint or a cocktail upstairs and sit and break down what they have just done.”
The Bank Job takes a minimum of two people and a maximum of five per game. Larger groups, such as corporate bookings, can use the Silver vault to make and enjoy cocktails and then swap over when colleagues have finished the heist challenge.
‘Robbers’ are given one hour to crack the vault and clinch the diamond but, without giving too much away, it will take some expertise.
Dan said: “It is a film-like experience. It is a very cerebral game, people have to use their heads. There are no cheap thrills.
“We have been passionate about making sure it is ready so that people have fun and a great experience. It is about us getting it right.”
Extra time taken on the room is evident with intricate details to make each participant really walk in the shoes of a bank heist robber.
Steve said: “We are looking forward to seeing people’s reactions, how they respond to the room. It is about giving the customer a brilliant experience.”
To keep up to date with all the offers people can sign up to a dedicated Bank Job mailing list.
The Bank Job opening times are seven days a week, 10am until (last game) 9pm. Participants must be aged 12 and over.
Prices
2 people £25pp
3 people £23pp
4 people £21pp
5 people £19.50pp
Find out more, book and to sign up to the mailing list, at www.thebankjobbroadstairs.co.uk or find them on facebook here
The Bank Job is at The Counting House, 42 High Street, Broadstairs