An award-winning Margate cocktail bar will close this weekend due to ‘rising costs and debts.’
The Clockwork Cocktail Company is a Steampunk styled cocktail bar in the High Street which opened in 2017 and offers some 50 different cocktails.
It was founded by Anna Strindberg and Chris Kirkland who have worked in bars around the world.
But the venue, which scooped the Muddy Stilettos title for Kent’s best bar last year, will trade tonight (May 15) and tomorrow for the last time.
Announcing the closure on social media, Chris said: “Unfortunately The Clockwork Cocktail Company is coming to an end! This Friday and Saturday night will be our last!!
“We have put everything we have into this bar but rising costs and debts have made it unviable to continue. We have been advised to open this weekend so we hope you will join us for one last time!
“ We will be open Friday and Saturday from 8pm, myself and Anna will be behind the bar. Come down, have a drink or 10, once the stock is gone it’s gone! Come share some memories and have one last party!
“We want to thank our friends and family, all our staff past and present, suppliers and supporters and especially everyone that has chosen to join us for their night out.
“Without you we would never have lasted as long as we have! It’s been nearly a decade of cocktails and dreams and one hell of a ride.”
It is one of several Thanet businesses to announce closures.
In Broadstairs, Clarey’s Chocolates trades at the High Street venue for the last time today (May 15) but continues business at Ramsgate’s Coco Latino.
Owner Clare Cook said: “This is not a decision we ever wanted to make. We have poured everything into this space, and we are incredibly proud of what we created and the wonderful community that grew around it.
“However, like so many small businesses right now, we have been facing a perfect storm. Rising costs across the board, soaring energy prices, increased supplier costs, and significant rises in business rates have made day-to-day operations increasingly difficult.
“The recent changes to business rates and continued increases in overheads have placed enormous pressure on independent businesses like ours, at a time when consumer spending has also slowed considerably.
“Alongside this, the ongoing uncertainty caused by global events has continued to impact small businesses across the UK, with many facing financial strain unlike anything we have experienced before.
“We are absolutely devastated. We truly tried everything we could to continue, but despite our best efforts, it is no longer sustainable for us to keep the shop open.
“To our incredible customers, team, friends, and community — thank you. Your support, kindness, and loyalty have meant the world to us, and this chapter has been something really special that we will never forget.”
Slice Ramsgate has also announced its Harbour Street venue will shut on May 17 – but adds that the team is working on something new.
Slice opened at the former Goose pub premises in October 2024 after tenants David Lengyel and friend Sam Bagley took on a lease from Stonegate pubs.
The pair stripped out, painted, plastered and had a new kitchen and feature wall installed as well as creating a community space for local groups and organisations.
The team hope to remain in Thanet at a new venue.
They say the decision is down to a lease issue. It is understood negotiations are underway for another business to take over the Slice premises.
In Westgate Coastal Electrics, run by Gavin Roffey, has also shut its doors, reportedly due to health reasons.
Meanwhile, a fishmongers is going to open in Station Road, Birchington! So its not all bad news.
Oh that’s good news
https://www.facebook.com/groups/totallylocallybirchington/posts/2737501426604137/
(It’s not actually open yet, but they’re getting it ready)
People need to get out and support Thanet businesses. Use it or lose it. It’s that simple.
I only buy things on Amazon that I can’t buy locally (and even 40-odd years ago, I bought many of my records and books via mail order as they weren’t in the shops!).
Thank you Rachel!🙄
Cue the usual suspects…
The news about the fishmonger (and a socially conscious bakery) in Station Rd. is good. I wish them well. If they survive the storm, when the blue skies and sunshine come they will make a mint.
Birchington also has a greengrocers, a butchers, a bakers, a deli, two florists, two furniture shops, three ladies clothes shops, a hardware shop, an electrical shop, a curtains shop, a carpet shop, a D.I.Y. shop, a pet supplies shop, an optician, a fabric shop, two chemists, a post office, and some great restaurants, cafes and pubs. Oh, and a train station. I love it here! : )
I know Peter. I used to live there. Unfortunately, I was persuaded to leave.
What no candle stick makers. ?
Is there a red light district? It’s for a friend of mine. She’s looking for a job with income.
these gimmick,s never last in thanet , the only thing that keeps the turder centre going is the money thats thrown at it , i am with mr checksfield – a good old fashioned fish shop is better , they have survived for centuries
Very sorry to hear of these businesses not being able to survive but hardly surprising with all the increased overheads. Particularly sorry to hear of Coastal Electrics as I have used that shop for decades and always had excellent service, even when an item is out of warranty.