Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
CITY NIGHTSPOT
Critically acclaimed and popular restaurant closes its doors after nine years
Owner of one of the city’s top restaurants has said soaring rents and a boom in the number of big chain eateries has forced its closure.
Deeson’s, in Sun Street, announced on Monday it was pulling down the shutters after nine years.
However, the premises may be back in use quicker than expected if its owner can secure additional funding.
The high-end restaurant, specialising in British cuisine, was one of just a handful of the city’s
dining spots to have achieved a listing in the prestigious Michelin Guide where it was described as a “charming building...with a dark rustic interior...offering hearty British cooking”.
But Sam Deeson, who ran the business, says he was forced into sacrificing the restaurant due to a host of increasing pressures which were making it financially unsustainable.
The businessman, who also runs the neighbouring Pork & Co, which will continue to operate, informed regulars with a sign outside the restaurant.
It said: “We are very sorry to announce that we have been left with no choice but to close Deeson’s with immediate effect.
“The cost of running a restaurant such as Deeson’s in the current financial climate has proven just too much.”
He told the Gazette: “Let’s just say that the current climate, increasing labour and food costs, spiralling rent and rates and the extra A3 licences being given to the large chains by the council has meant that the bottom line has been squeezed to such an extent there is nothing left.”
A3 licences are required for restaurants and cafes serving hot food.
Mr Deeson said: “Restaurants such as Deeson’s are very expensive to run and unfortunately passion doesn’t pay the bills.
“We do, however, want to thank all our loyal customers and especially want to thank all the fantastic staff that have worked with us over the years.”
However, he has hinted Pork & Co could expand into the restaurant site.
He told us: “We are going to try and keep Pork & Co afloat and if we can raise the finances we will use the extra space in Deeson’s as additional seating for the Pork & Co customers.”
Rob Davies, spokesman for the city council, said: “It is always sad when a business decides to close but we would certainly reject Mr Deeson’s accusation. Canterbury has a fantastic variety of eateries covering virtually every cuisine, and it’s a city in which both chain and independent restaurants can thrive.
“We have an experienced business support team here at the council that can provide a wide range of help and advice to businesses across all sectors including the restaurant trade.”