5 days ago
I'm being forced to SHUT my unique floating restaurant because ‘nit-picky' neighbours think it's a ‘party boat'
AN entrepreneur has been left with no choice but to close his floating restaurant, after facing backlash from neighbours who claimed it was a "party boat."
Paul Trickett, 50, spent months building his restaurant on the water, but is now having to stop trading for good.
7
7
7
Popular floating restaurant set to close
Alongside his wife Virginia, 50, he constructed the bespoke structure to anchor just a few yards off of the exclusive Mudeford Sandbank in Christchurch Harbour, Dorset.
The restaurant was positioned close to Britain's most expensive and illustrious beach huts.
Mr Trickett faced a torrent of objections from hutters and local residents who warned it would be a "party boat" with fears people would urinate over the sides.
This backlash has since led the entrepreneur to announce the closure of his beloved restaurant, following an injunction sought against him by the local council.
The couple were refused an alcohol and music licence for the floating restaurant, called the Christchurch Harbour Kitchen, in June.
But they ploughed on none the less and welcomed customers in the past few weeks who gave the restaurant glowing reviews.
However, the court papers received from BCP Council last Thursday drew trading to a sudden halt.
Saddened businessman issues statement
Mr Trickett said they had to cease trading immediately as they "don't have the money to fight" the local authority in court.
He also explained that he had hired three members of staff who will now be made redundant and does not know what he will do with the 30ft barge.
Christchurch Harbour Kitchen told Facebook: "Firstly I would like to thank all our customers and enthusiastic people who enjoyed the Harbour Kitchen.
McDonald's Axes Two Favourites, Universal Credit's £1,200 Bonus, & A-Level Results Day Job Market – Money News Today
"But this evening we received court papers from the council seeking injunction to stop our operation.
"In light of this and with heavy heart Christchurch Harbour Kitchen Ltd has ceased trading and will no longer be trading in the harbour or river."
Mr Trickett added: "We have not got the money to fight it, even though we think they are wrong.
"We're pretty sore and disappointed that they can't see the uniqueness of it.
"We had lots of customers and were full at the weekend, and everyone was saying it was fantastic so they are really disappointed.
"We don't understand why the council never came to see us or negotiate with us."
Disappointed customers took to social media to share their upset over the restaurant's sudden closure.
Laura Gooch said: "Oh no! Enjoyed having a drink there on Saturday! Was hoping to have a meal, what a shame, good luck for the future."
Another saddened local, Rose Elizabeth, added: "I absolutely loved the service you provided me and my friend last Saturday.
"It's disappointing that the council are stopping you from providing great service!"
One resident also said: "What a shame. Whatever happened to helping small businesses in the community."
What is happening to the hospitality industry?
By Laura McGuire, consumer reporter
MANY Food and drink chains have been struggling in recently as the cost of living has led to fewer people spending on eating out.
Businesses had been struggling to bounce back after the pandemic, only to be hit with soaring energy bills and inflation.
Multiple chains have been affected, resulting in big-name brands like Wetherspoons and Frankie & Benny's closing branches.
Some chains have not survived, Byron Burger fell into administration last year, with owners saying it would result in the loss of over 200 jobs.
Pizza giant, Papa Johns is shutting down 43 of its stores soon.
Tasty, the owner of Wildwood, said it will shut sites as part of major restructuring plans.
Backlash over fears of anti-social behaviour
Earlier this summer, the council refused to grant a licence for the restaurant to play "ambient" music between 8am and 11pm every day and serve alcohol with food from 11am to 11pm.
Mr Trickett argued that he did not need permission to moor the barge close to the beach at Mudeford, where exclusive beach huts sell for up to £500,000.
The floating restaurant faced opposition from the start with critics claiming its 11pm closing time would attract a 'rabble of partygoers' and cause anti-social behaviour.
They also warned of late night noise and drunken revellers falling into the sea.
Due to there only being one toilet on board, people also expressed concerns that customers would end up urinating over the side of the boat.
Mr Trickett said in response at the time: "A lot of the issues raised against what I am doing seem very nit-picky and hypocritical.
"Nobody has proven to me that I cannot do what I want to do.
"We've designed a purpose-built floating vessel. You get to your spot, press a button and it unfolds with the tables and chairs on the outside.
"I don't think it's anything like what people imagine. It's not a bar and it's not a party boat. It's going to be a restaurant where we will sell fish and chips, surf and turf and fresh mackerel salad."
A BCP Council spokesperson told The Sun: "We've been in regular contact with the operators of Christchurch Harbour Kitchen advising that they did not have appropriate permission to run a lawful business from land controlled by BCP Council.
"As a result, an injunction was sought to prevent continued unlawful trading and was due to be heard on 8 August 2025.
"Prior to the scheduled hearing, Christchurch Harbour Kitchen assured the council it would no longer seek to trade from land controlled by the council and, as a result, there was no need for legal proceedings to continue at this stage."
7
7
7
