A cafe in a former lifeboat house has closed after three years of trading amid struggles with a “challenging time in hospitality”.
Pedaler on the Port opened in the 1893 lifeboat house on Clock Tower Square at the town’s Marina Curve in June 2022.
The Pedaler on the Port cafe in Dover has closed
Owner Aaron Hudson-Tyreman, a former military man and barrister, established The Independent Pedaler brand in 2017.
Having originally opened its flagship cafe in Bridge, near Canterbury, which closed in 2022, the businessman has now announced the closure of its Dover branch too.
A statement released by the 55-year-old said: “After a long and considered process, we have taken the decision to close our Dover branch, The Pedaler on the Port.
“It has been an amazing time and I cannot speak highly enough of the support we have had from The Dover Harbour Board and in particular a couple of people who will wish to remain in the background.
“But it is simply a challenging time in hospitality, and as with many independents, we have had to make a very difficult decision.
Aaron Hudson-Tyreman is behind The Independent Pedaler brand
“We remain committed to the Pedaler ethos, and those of you who follow what we do will still be able to experience the Independent Pedaler at our Manston Cafe.
“Watch this space for developments and our continued commitment to our Pedaler People.
“Thank you to all those wonderful customers who visited Marina Curve.”
The cafe had served hot drinks, breakfast and lunch as well as cakes during its time trading, offering customers indoor and outdoor seating.
Mr Hudson-Tyreman, who originally set up the brand to meet and discuss bike racing with his friends, did open at The Cattle Yard in Manston two years ago.
The Independent Pedaler, owned by Aaron Hudson-Tyreman, opened Pedaler on the Port in Dover in 2022. Picture: Aaron Hudson-Tyreman
It came just a year after its flagship cafe in Bridge closed its doors for the last time.
He says he invested thousands of pounds into that building but had no choice but to leave following a dispute with the landlord.
After opening in Manston, it was hoped it would form part of a triangle-shaped cycling route linking the Dover branch and hopefully a new site in the Bridge or Barham area.
However, the announcement means the site in Thanet is now the sole remaining cafe on its books.