The Bandstand in Sandown has closed its doors due to the economic climate – but the management team refute claims made in an interesting message left for all to see…
The seaside building was originally built in around 1910 but sadly fell into disrepair after a café in the downstairs section closed in the mid-1970s. The site was purchased from the Isle of Wight Council in 2013 before undergoing a major renovation, opening to customers as The Bandstand in April 2015.
In November 2021, the popular restaurant was put up for sale but no buyers were forthcoming. It was then put up for lease before the doors were closed in March 2023.
12 months later, in March last year, it was revealed that the establishment had been taken over by the team behind Off the Rails in Yarmouth, and underwent a transformative revival with a new theme.
However, all did not appear well in early February when a notice appeared on the door stating that The Bandstand had closed as of 7th February and ‘until further notice’.
Island Echo has been working to establish what has been going on, with a significant development appearing earlier today (Tuesday).
A message has now appeared in a window overlooking Culver Parade. The accusation reads:
“The Bandstand has ceased trading.
“I left without paying my rent, my utility bills, my insurance.
“I owe tens of thousands to the owner but I don’t give a damn”.
In a statement provided to Island Echo, the leaseholders have said that the message is entirely inaccurate – and have labelled it unacceptable and unprofessional.
It’s been said that all rent, utilities, and bills were fully paid up to the date of their departure. Additionally, all suppliers, staff, and HMRC have been settled in full.
It has, however, been confirmed that the only outstanding matter relates to a dispute with the landlord regarding the lease, which is currently being handled by solicitors.
The leaseholders have said:
”Given the current economic climate – rising staff costs, increased utility expenses, and a decline in visitors to the Island, particularly in Sandown – the business became unsustainable despite our best efforts.
”As we were running out of cash, we had no alternative but to cease trading to ensure that all suppliers and staff were paid”.
As a supplier – we were not paid. So this is very believable.
We are living in strange times, best to take money
for goods on delivery.
Credit is becoming a thing of the past.
That the owner has charged tens of thousands in rent is a bit of a giveaway. I presume it’s yearly lease, so they’d like the money from a company that’s no longer trading up until next year please? I suppose it will be like all leases….you sign for a year’s right of occupancy…but can still terminate under notice. Will be interesting to see the outcome, but my sympathies lie with the leaseholders, especially after that nasty stunt. If I were the leaseholders, I’d be considering a defamation suit.
Turn it in to a private property, it always fails to
be a successful business.
Very neat writing on the windows