Camber has lost one of its most famous bars, with the owners of the Dunes Bar blaming the economy and the district council for making it impossible to continue trading. Jimmy and Caroline Hyatt say they are extremely sad they cannot carry on and that closing was their only option. The bar doors shut for the final time on Sunday, April 14, with local residents saying the Hyatts and their much loved bar would be sorely missed.
The local economy and cost of living crisis were also cited by a second Camber business which closed this week. Sugar Rush Treats thanked their customers announcing on Facebook their shop was no longer viable.
Jimmy Hyatt explained more about the decision to close the Dunes Bar, and thanked staff, suppliers, and regulars. “It’s with great sadness and a heavy heart that after nineteen years of trading we are announcing the closure of the Dunes Bar and Restaurant.
“Times are tough right now for hospitality, none more so than in a small seaside village that depends heavily on tourism, day trippers and holiday makers. So with that in mind I have to mention the damage that Rother District Council did to Camber last year with their exorbitant fixed-rate parking policy for summer 2023. This effectively killed the summer day trade by denying us the footfall our businesses desperately needed in the short summer season. It crippled the summer trade and has proved devastating long term.
“Couple that with the further devastating loss of Pontins Holiday Park and the years of lucrative business it brought to the local economy and then throw in the now extortionate energy tariffs for licensed businesses and it is too big a mountain to climb. It felt like a three-pronged attack so we had to think long and hard about our future. It was difficult to see a way forward for the Dunes Bar and sometimes in life it is better to let go so you can leave on a high with good memories and wonderful friends made along the way.
“We would like to thank all our customers and everyone that’s dined with us over the years for their support, for all the positive feedback and for the lovely people we have met over the years; it has been greatly appreciated.
“Also, a big thank you to our regular and local drinkers and our Monday and Friday clubs for their continued support and loyalty. You have epitomised what village community is all about, and we want to say what a lovely bunch you all are.”
“A big, massive thank you to all our staff, past and present, we couldn’t have done it without you guys. You have been amazing and worked hard in some trying times, in the busiest of summer months and some very trying times. A special shout out to Gary Tooley and Trevor Atkinson, our two wonderful chefs who have, over the years, become family. Also to the front of house staff – Ali Burt, Billie-Jo Bourne, Georgina Atkinson and Clare Spearing who did a wonderful job of keeping the customers happy and well looked after. We would like to think we did okay by you and that you picked up some valuable life experiences that will stand you in good stead in the future. We wish you all the best whatever you do from now on and we know you will do well as you are dedicated, loyal and hard workers.
“Thank you to all our local suppliers Aldington Fresh Foods, J&F Fruiterers Ltd, Coleman’s ABC, Drink Warehouse UK of Ramsgate and the many others for the years of great service and wonderful produce.”
“Thank you to all the local tradesman whom we have called out in emergencies over the years, some who are no longer with us. Of course, never forgetting my late cousin Henry Boxall for building the bar twenty years ago now. It seems like yesterday we were working on getting it ready in time for the summer and it has stood the test of time.
“Let’s hope this summer that the sun shines and day trippers visit Camber again. The parking is now an hourly rate so maybe the council has learned. It’s important to support local businesses wherever they are. It’s an age old cliché but – ‘use it or lose it.’”
A spokeswoman for Rother District Council told the BBC she was sorry to hear of the closure. She added that the flat rate trial was to discourage visitors staying for “just a few hours” from entering the centre of the village, and that after “careful consideration of data and feedback”, the plan was scrapped.
Image Credits: Hyatt's archives .
So very sad when a local community hub is forced to close for reasons beyond their control. Hard work should be rewarded and not penalised. Although businesses such as The Dunes often depend on visitors and tourism, there are usually the stalwarts who support their local pubs and eateries all year around and it’s a shame that these are no longer enough to keep a great venture going. Well done for your efforts and I wish you luck for the future.