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'It's disappointing' - cafe for cyclists and walkers closes doors for final time

Cadence Cycle Club's Eastbourne hub has closed <i>(Image: Cadence)</i>
Cadence Cycle Club's Eastbourne hub has closed (Image: Cadence)

A café for cyclists and walkers has closed its doors for the final time.

Cadence Cycle Club had a café near The Welcome Building, Eastbourne, since July 2021, but was told it had to find a new location.

Eastbourne Borough Council wants to use the space to help with the Turner Prize art exhibition which is starting on September 28.

It did not confirm what the site will be used for specifically.

The Eastbourne branch closed for good on Sunday.

Co-owner Roger Myall said the move was “disappointing” but understood the council needing the space back.

He said: “The council were well within their right to serve us notice at any point. It’s slightly unfortunate as we built up the business over the last 18 months.

The Argus: Cadence in Eastbourne
The Argus: Cadence in Eastbourne

Cadence in Eastbourne (Image: Cadence)

“They notified us just before Christmas saying they want us to vacate by the end of February. It was on the basis that Eastbourne has been successful in being given the Turner Prize. They wanted the space back in that plaza area to do some stuff for it.

“They have been helpful in terms of finding us a new location. We have a spot in mind that we are talking about with the council which we hope to announce soon.

“We’re keen to stay in Eastbourne, we have created the brand here. Our whole point is we are a spot to refuel with locally sourced food and nice coffee when you are on your adventure, whether you are a walker or cyclist.”

The business hopes to open its new hub in Eastbourne in spring this year.

Cadence also has hubs along the South Downs Way at Beachy Head, the village of Litlington which is towards Seaford, Cocking Hill near Midhurst, Upwaltham which is north of Arundel, and Cheriton in Hampshire.

The Argus: Cadence's hub in Litlington pictured in 2021
The Argus: Cadence's hub in Litlington pictured in 2021

Cadence's hub in Litlington pictured in 2021

The business closed one of its hubs in Truleigh Hill, north of Shoreham, last summer.

Eastbourne is hosting this year’s Turner Prize which will run from September 28 to January 14 next year.

The work of the four shortlisted artists will be presented at the Towner Gallery.

The winner will be announced on December 5 this year and will be awarded £25,000, while the runners up will get £10,000.

It comes as the Towner Gallery celebrates its centenary year.

A spokesman for the council said: “Cadence Cycle Club’s one-year contract has come to an end at the Devonshire Quarter.

“This year, the central site in front of the Welcome Building and Congress Theatre will be used to support the Turner Prize, the world’s leading prize for contemporary art, being hosted at Towner Eastbourne.

“The council is supportive of the mission and values of Cadence and has offered assistance to the team to see if another site can be found.”