Beer and Feast, the current operators of Hatch, Gravesend’s street food and entertainment venue at Gravesend Borough Market, have announced their decision to cease operation of the market.
Commenting on the decision, Cllr John Burden, Leader of Gravesham Borough Council, said: “When we were looking for operators for the market, Beer and Feast were the outstanding candidates, bringing with them a successful track record in the food and hospitality sector, and a vision for the future that was different and exciting.
“However, they experienced many of the same challenges that hospitality businesses across the country are facing right now, and ultimately the operating model proved to be unsustainable.”
He added that while it was a great disappointment, the council is currently working with remaining food traders to explore options for them to continue within the food court at the Queen Street end of the building. The main market building will remain closed while longer-term alternative uses are investigated.
Cllr Burden said: “I’m grateful to the traders who worked hard to make a success of the site, and the thousands of customers who visited Hatch.
“We will be working hard to support the remaining traders, to continue the popular Wednesday night quiz, and will be looking immediately at longer term options to ensure there is a bright future for this building and that the public can continue to use the space in the future.”
A spokesman for Beer and Feast said: “When we took on this project we knew it was going to be a challenge and we have fought multiple obstacles along the way but over the last year running costs have increased to record levels which has resulted in the project becoming unsustainable in its current format.
“The foundations have been built for this to become the best food and drink hub across the south east and we are looking forward to seeing the traders carry this vision over.
“We’d like to offer a huge thank you to everyone who has supported the traders and visited Hatch.”