A vegan cafe and bar at a seaside spot is closing – as bosses say being in “one of the windiest places in the world” hit trade.
Planet Earth Kitchen (PEK) On The Go, known for its fully plant-based menu, will be leaving the Marina Curve in Dover at the end of September.
Lorraine Brazier, who runs the site with her husband Glenn, said they loved their time on the marina but faced ‘multiple challenges’. Picture: Lorraine Brazier
Lorraine Brazier, who runs the site with her husband Glenn, said the decision has not been easy – but after three-and-a-half years on the Curve, it is time for a change.
She told KentOnline: “As much as we’ve loved being on the Curve, it’s one of the windiest places in the world!
“Some weekends we haven’t been able to open, and others it’s so windy that trade is quiet. On a good-weather weekend, it’s absolutely fantastic.
“But that’s something that’s worked against us.”
The couple launched the business after building a five-tonne cabin on-site during the early days of the Curve’s regeneration.
PEK on the Marina Curve in Dover will be closing next month. Picture: Lorraine Brazier
But while the Marina location has brought them loyal customers and rave reviews, the exposed conditions and slow-moving development plans have taken their toll.
The Marina Curve was part of the £250 million Dover Western Docks Revival, which also included upgrades to Clock Tower Square.
A major part of the project – a 90-bed waterfront hotel – is finally starting construction, four years after being granted planning permission in 2021.
But for PEK, that long wait has played a role in their decision to step away.
“We were supposed to be given more of a permanent residence a bit sooner,” said Lorraine.
CGI showing how the motel planned for Dover is expected to look – based on the most recent designs. Picture: The Electric Motel Company Ltd
“It was supposed to be the first year, then the second, then the third… and it’s only just now they’re starting.
“We were told it would be a slow burner, but it’s been very slow.”
In the meantime, the couple have taken on other jobs and are looking forward to spending more time with their growing family – including two recently arrived grandsons.
Lorraine also lives with chronic back and neck pain, while Glenn is now working in the building trade and continues to perform as one half of a local musical duo.
Despite the challenges, they are proud of what they have achieved.
Dover’s Marina Curve
Lorraine said: “We’ve done really well – we’ve got a good reputation and great reviews – but there’s only so much you can do in a location that exposed.
“Hospitality is one of the hardest jobs, and the costs of running a food business have gone through the roof.”
Importantly, she stressed that their decision has nothing to do with being vegan.
“We’ve had people travel from Leeds, even from abroad, and tried our food.
“People find us on (app) Happy Cow,” she added.
“They come because we’re vegan.
Bosses say the fully vegan menu had nothing to do with the closure. Picture: Lorraine Brazier
“We’ve stuck to our morals and put our hearts and souls into what we do.”
The couple plans to continue with other aspects of their brand – including their PEK Flu Busters herbal tea bags – and are considering writing a recipe book, something Lorraine says customers have been requesting for years.
“So no, it’s not the end of PEK – it’s just the end of this version of it,” she said.
“Dover Harbour Board have said they’d love to have us back.
“We’d consider it – but if we return, it would have to be something more permanent and definitely more sheltered.”
PEK On The Go will continue trading from the Curve until September. Picture: Lorraine Brazier
Lorraine added that while the location has potential, it still needs more signage, shelter, and support to thrive.
“We still get people from Dover saying they didn’t even know the Curve existed,” she added.
“That’s a missed opportunity.
“But it’s such a beautiful, peaceful spot when it’s done right. We’d love to see it reach its full potential.”
Their custom-built cabin is now up for sale.
The Port of Dover has been approached for a comment.