Owners misty-eyed over Littlehampton wine bar's closure

The Beach Road venue will close next Saturday (September 19), a victim of the recession and cheap booze and food in supermarkets, according to its owners.

Terry and Andrea Mills, who opened the bar and restaurant in 2005 on the site of their former cleaning supplies business, said in a statement: "Unfortunately, due to the current economic climate, the demise of the town with major retailers leaving empty properties, and the general concern and worry from the public about job security, eating out has taken a massive hit across the country.

"This has been compounded by supermarkets selling cases of beer for 8, and barbecue packs for six people for 3."

Commercial decision

They added that it had been an "agonising decision".

"At some point you just have to dismiss passion and emotion, and take a commercial decision. We have been able to place our staff in other positions, and relocate our party bookings to other venues."

The three-storey building, which comprises the wine bar and restaurant, a two-bedroom flat, and second-floor offices and store rooms, is currently on the market with agents Christie and Co, for 395,000.

The Mills added: "We would like to take this opportunity to thank all our past and present customers, many of whom have become our friends, for their fantastic support over the years."

-----------------------------

Click here to return toLittlehampton Gazette news.

Where are you? Add your pin to the Gazette's international readers' map by clicking here.

Email the Gazette: [email protected]

Want to read this page in French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Urdu or 48 other languages? click here for Google translate.