The closure of Margate’s LGBTQIA+ bar Sundowners has been announced by Proud Pink Inns which took over management in October last year.
Director and general manager Iain Maxstead and husband David took over the reins of the Albert Terrace club and reopened under Proud Pink Inns. Sadly David, who had been Iain’s husband for 36 years, died in December that year, aged just 67, due to bladder, prostate and kidney cancer.
Despite his tragic loss, Iain continued with the club and held a number of events, including a fundraiser for Cancer is a Drag charity in memory of David and a celebration of legendary Margate pub landlady and LGBTIQA+ champion Shirley Sullivan who passed away in April 2020.
But Iain says it has been a tough year, marred by the taint of previous owner’s charges – which a trial is currently taking place for– despite him no longer being associated in any way with the bar, attempts to deal with Thanet council over planning permission to remove a restriction which stops Sundowners bar from playing amplified music on the terrace and “landlord expectations.”
The 55-year-old said: “We have traded for a year and given it our best shot to save a safe space for our community and allies.
“We are not moving far and will reopen in a new form in November at a new venue.”
In an announcement on the Sundowners page it says: “We have made the very difficult decision to close Sundowners.
“Unfortunately, due to pressures outside of our control, we are unable to continue.
“We will be partying through Halloween and our final night will be in November.
“We would like to thank all those that have shown their support to us and the venue over the last 12 months, our customers, staff, entertainers and suppliers. We look forward to working with you all in the future.
“Proud Pink Inns will continue and very soon we will release details of our next venue. We will be remaining in Margate, our home, and continue providing a safe space for our community and allies.”
Many customers have expressed sadness at the news but also positive thoughts on the plans for a new venue in the town.
One said: “Very sad to read this, been performing here for years and enjoyed every minute so sad to see it close its doors but excited for the Pink Inns next adventure.”
Iain says he hopes the move will be a “new start (with a) new premises.”
I’m not surprised it’s closing most popular places in Thanet do close. Odd warped neighbours and strange council don’t help I’ve never been to the sundowner but by all accounts it was popular. If a business is affected by a previous person being charged with sex offences then with that logic the BBC should close down as well, I’m a teetotaller so not into frequently visiting pubs or clubs. As for the comments from Peter and Thanet lad it’s alright you can come out of your closets now we are all bisexual really.
Speak for yourself, lad.
Previous? The guy they ‘replaced’ him with & still showing as a director on Companies House is a convicted *****-why is Mr Maxstead going into partnership with such an individual?
If you honestly believe they announce they are closing the same week as the trial of that person you mention is going on is just a coincidence & instead like Mr Maxstead blaming it on the council, landlord, neighbours etc, then there is a bridge for sale. Two questions you have to ask yourself is why is the convicted ********** still a director & why if financial considerations are the problem, would opening it up elsewhere in Margate make any difference?
If money has decreased then it is hardly surprising when one director is charged with child sexual offences & another director was convicted of child sexual offences in 2013 & went to jail for such is it? Not exactly a great advert for any business.
charges of sexual offences against children is currently taking place at Canterbury Crown Court.
Mr Bayles faces 11 indecent assault charges against children aged below 14 years; five indecency with a child charges and one charge of attempted rape.
Mr Bayles, aged 64, of Northdown Road, denies the offences which are said to have taken place in the 1980s and 1990s at two children’s homes in Ramsgate and Deal.
The trail began at Canterbury Crown Court on Monday (October 14) and is expected to last between two and three weeks. https://theisleofthanetnews.com/2024/10/16/trial-taking-place-of-margate-man-accused-of-sexual-offences-against-children/
With Sundowners closing does that mean that members of the public can use the Sun Terrace outside again? Without getting questioned.
let’s hope Paul Glicksman takes it over and transforms it into a family friendly venue where all can enjoy the lovely view
They will have a new venue
He is not a nice person so no surprise really
“PROUD PINK INNS” a safe space run by Iain Maxstead and Gareth Braithwaite …….
https://uk-database.org/2013/10/25/gareth-braithwaite-chatham/amp/
Why am I not surprised?
What are they proud of of? Making a convicted ***************** a director? Did Mr Maxstead know? Does he not perform background checks on people? Is asking such questions of the ‘community’ whateverphobic & not being an ‘ally’ whatever that denotes. Because most people don’t want to be an ally of such individuals.
I’m a bit surprised that none of this is mentioned in the IOTN article. Isn’t it deemed newsworthy?
Just noticed you offensive comment has been deleted
There was no offensive comment. “What a bummer” is an expression of dismay… What many would find far more offensive is the fact that this comment concerns you more than the fact that one of the current owners (conviction). Or is this not worthy of comment?
The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (ROA) prevents the unauthorised disclosure of spent convictions after a rehabilitation period. If it were in the public interest [not the same as the public being interested in it) then there may be a defence if this was, for example, a youth club, but it isn’t.