Residents in Tonbridge have been left saddened and surprised following the announcement that The Maid of Kent café-bar has closed its doors.
The news was shared via the venue’s official Facebook page, where the owner posted a heartfelt message confirming the decision. The statement read:
“It is with great sadness and heavy heart that I have decided to close the doors at The Maid of Kent (formerly, Gorgeous George).
As a team we have served the community for fourteen years and made life long friends in the process. We have had a lot of fun along the way and it has truly been a pleasure.
A HUGE thank you to everyone who has supported us over the years, you are all amazing!
We raise our glasses to new beginnings…thank you again everyone, we couldn’t have done it without you. Xx
Please support the wonderful local independents we have in Tonbridge, it is becoming increasingly harder for small businesses to remain viable in today’s climate, they all put their heart and soul into their businesses and it would be a sad loss to see more disappear from our High Street.
#ShopLocal #shoplocalbusiness”
The Maid of Kent, which previously operated as Gorgeous George, had been a fixture of the local high street for more than a decade, building a loyal customer base and becoming known as a welcoming social hub.
Despite the announcement online, there is currently no visible signage at the premises indicating its closure. We saw several confused customers arriving at the venue as recently as yesterday, seemingly unaware that the business had ceased trading.
The closure marks another difficult moment for Tonbridge’s independent business community. Over the past year, locals have also had to say goodbye to the much-loved Bakehouse 124, adding to concerns about the pressures facing small, independent traders.
The message shared by The Maid of Kent’s owner echoes a growing sentiment among business owners, highlighting the increasing challenges of remaining viable amid rising costs and a changing economic landscape.
For many in the town, the loss is not just of a café-bar, but of a place tied to community spirit. As the post itself urges, supporting local businesses may prove vital in preserving the character of Tonbridge’s high street.
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