Quirky city restaurant to be sold with ‘heavy heart’

One of Canterbury’s quirkiest restaurants has been put up for sale.

The lease of Boho in the High Street is being marketed for £190,000 and the owners hope it will continue as a thriving independent eatery.

Popular with celebrities, it was bought by John and Vicki Davies just two years ago but they are selling up after separating.

Mr Davies, 57, a corporate lawyer from Adisham, said: “We have taken the decision to let it go with a heavy heart but unfortunately it is unavoidable.”

The couple were already regular customers of Boho when it was put on the market after the previous owner retired in 2016.

“I was working in the south of France when Vicki called me and said Boho is up for sale and we both agreed we had to have it,” said Mr Davies.

“We had no restaurant experience but inherited some great and dedicated staff. It’s been fantastic fun and a great change from my otherwise rather dry corporate work.

“We have many celebrities coming in, including Bob Geldof, as well as the pantomime stars who love its quirky bohemian style and our home cooking. About 70% of our business is repeat customers. There are too many chains in Canterbury already and I would hate to see it become one but fortunately I don’t think the building is suit- able for them.”

The business, which has two upper floors including a kitchen, store and office, is being marketed through Pearson Gore in Canterbury. It is not the only cafe up for sale.

The lease on the Burgate Coffee House is also on the market for £160,000.

Boho co-owners John Davies and his wife Vicki have decided to sell the lease of the restaurant