High street restaurant to close after 12 years

The announcement that Cafe Rouge will close in Tenterden on Sunday has been greeted with sadness.

A notice placed in the window of the high street restaurant delivered the news that the chain was pulling out of town after 12 years of trading.

The abrupt departure of the French brasserie, which is owned by the Casual Dining Group, was described as sad by Tenterden & District Chamber of Commerce, but the group also expressed optimism that the winning combination of Tenterden’s “vibrant town centre” and “scenic location” would soon see the premises occupied again.

News of Cafe Rouge’s imminent closure in Tenterden has also emerged on the company’s website, although the company that owns the restaurant, as well as the Bella Italia, La Tasca and Las Iguanas brands, has not shared the reason behind it.

Chamber spokesman Mike Bartlett said: “It’s always sad to see the demise of any business in our town. We have a vibrant town centre, which attracts numbers of retailers and other businesses to it, because of its scenic location and attractive layout.

“We hope that the premises will be re-occupied profitably before long.”

Cafe Rouge first moved into number 43 Tenterden High Street, formerly the home of the Eight Bells pub, in 2007.

But plans to convert the 18th century building, where the last pint had been pulled in the same year, were met with huge opposition at the time.

Fears that the historic character of the high street would be eroded by the arrival of a national chain were shared by both the town council and residents’ association.

But Ashford councillors later approved the plans after a series of amendments were made to the application, which included retaining the white and black look of the Grade II-listed building.

A controversial petition was launched by the former restaurant manager to paint the building red and white, although the site kept its historic colours.

A Cafe Rouge spokesman said: “We are working to relocate colleagues at other restaurants where possible.

“We would like to thank them for their service over the years, and of course our cafe guests for their custom and loyalty.”