A business that revitalised the Cinque Ports pub on Margate seafront with LA taqueria-style food, street art displays and DJs will shut at the end of this month after a decision by the landlord not to renew the lease.
International Wrap Artists, headed by Alexandria Tait-Russell and Ray Marino, opened at the Cinque Ports – part of the Dreamland estate- in July 2020 amid covid restrictions.
Prior to that, in 2015, they were concessioners at the park with Naughty Floss, organic candy and four years later launched IWA Mexican Street Food brand in a 1980s Chevy step van also based at Dreamland.
It was then that the pair, who have lived in Broadstairs since 2010, were offered the lease for Cinque Ports enabling them to expand the IWA brand in a bricks and mortar home.
The successful business grew, introducing basement bar Kicks to the venue last year as a dedicated space to host music nights, events and private hire.
In a social media post looking back at that time, they say: “We stuck our necks out and jumped at the chance to grow our brand, in what was one of the most challenging periods for hospitality in living memory.
“Out went the beige lampshades and decor, and in went vibrant colours and artwork to match our food, and drink. Having 35+ years experience in hospitality, of course great service and vibes were at the top of our agenda as well.
“We put all we had into this venue, blood sweat and tears. We assembled a fantastic team and together we traversed socially distanced tacos, the cost of living crisis, and went on to make IWA and Kicks Bar one of THE places to be, for Dining, Drinks, and Proper Parties.”
Sadly, customers have now been notified that IWA’s lease is not being renewed and they will shut on September 30th.
In a notice to their customers, they say: “We want to thank every single one of you for making IWA what it is. Your energy, your love, and your loyalty have been everything to us. We’ll savour these last weeks together and go out with a bang—so come and celebrate with us, and let’s make these final days unforgettable.”
In October last year Levy UK + Ireland partners, KERB and Peppermint, took charge of food and beverage operations at Dreamland.
Street food giant, KERB, assumed responsibility for the food line-up when Dreamland re-opened its doors this Spring and Peppermint became the event and concert bar operator.
Peppermint’s relationship with Dreamland CEO, Eddie Kemsley goes back to 2003 when the bar company was founded.
The business now services over 40 events every year, including American Express presents BST Hyde Park.
Levy UK + Ireland, sports and hospitality caterer, announced an exclusive partnership with KERB in 2020 and took a 50% stake in Peppermint in 2022.
According to Land Registry the Cinque Ports building is owned by Guernsey-based Margate Propco 2 Ltd, with Sands Heritage listed as a beneficial owner of that company with a 25% or more stake.
The sale from Sands Heritage to Margate Propco 2 took place on 31 January 2017 for £665,000 but Sands Heritage was listed as beneficial owner of Margate Propco after the Dreamland estate was taken over by LN-Gaiety – a UK incorporated joint venture between Live Nation and Gaiety – in December last year.
The IWA closure is one of several to hit the isle recently following The Modern Boulangerie and Harvest Health Foods in Ramsgate, Selina hotel in Cliftonville and the impending closure of the Broadstairs Escapement venue at the end of this month.
