The Mi Community shop in Cliftonville will shut this month, with the social supermarket relocating to Ramsgate Road in addition to keeping its shop in Margate High Street.
The Cliftonville branch opened at former Rendezvous restaurant premises in Cliftonville’s Ethelbert Crescent last October alongside Sweet Caroline’s ice cream parlour.
Under the banner of Bread and Roses the building at 16 Ethelbert Crescent housed the new addition to the MiCommunity shop, which provides cut-priced food and household goods for people on benefits and low wages.
The main restaurant area was converted into a social meeting space with kitchens and Sweet Caroline ice cream parlour as part of a new project by Sharon Goodyer – who founded and formerly ran Our Kitchen on the Isle of Thanet – and businessman Steve Ralf who had recently returned to the isle.
But Mi Community has now announced it will shut the branch on June 22 and is due to open at 94 Ramsgate Road, Margate, in July.
In a message to customers Mi Community, founded by John Finnegan, says: “We know this news might be disappointing but after careful consideration, we’ve made the difficult decision to close our Cliftonville shop. We understand this might cause inconvenience and we sincerely apologise for any disruption this might cause.”
Sweet Caroline’s has also gone onto the property market with the leasehold being offered at £60,000 running to September 30, 2028 and rent at £39,000pa.
The sale notice says: “Sweet Caroline’s is a licensed dessert house restaurant 100m from the sea in the heart of Cliftonville, Margate. It was established in late 2023 but significant changes in personal circumstances has lead to the decision to sell.
“The premises can accommodate 100 guests in bright, comfortable booths, bays, social and party areas. An additional 20 outside seats are available under umbrellas with matching bright metal furniture and safety barriers. We have a dedicated party area and performance stage for music/events with steps.”
The business comes fully equipped with fixtures, fittings, stock and any training requirements.
