Proud Pink Inns announce new venue ‘La!’ and opening date following Sundowners closure

Following the closing down party at Sundowners bar in Margate last weekend, the new venue and opening date has now been announced.

Proud Pink Inns will move to the former Bentley’s Lounge and Grill {and then Age UK Thanet shops} site in Margate High Street. The venue will open on November 23 under the new name of La!

Director and general manager Iain Maxstead and husband David took over the reins of the Albert Terrace club and reopened under Proud Pink Inns last October. 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 conviction despite him no longer being associated 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.”

In a post to social media Proud Pink Inns say: “Proud Pink Inns Ltd brought the lease after the former owner closed the venue in October 2023, as we knew the need for our community to have a safe space to enjoy, our commitment to all has grown, Our expectations have been exceeded in every aspect for that we thank you all.

“We have hosted charity nights for many charities and raised a huge amount with your support, “Cancer is a Drag” being our chosen charity and we have provided the funds to support so many people living with cancer thanks to CIAD

“Sundowner’s has been a safe space place for our community and allies, a venue that has made its mark in Margate for many years, Margate Pride started at Sunnies, and we continued to provide the very best of cabaret for all to enjoy until our closure

“Gareth {Braithwaite – director listed as having significant control on Companies House} and Iain are proudly moving forward with Mick and the team alongside Lafayette’s to our new venue “La!” which will continue to provide a safe space for our community and many allies, entertainment and great food and an events space you our customers deserve.”