An abandoned Prezzo restaurant will stay empty for the foreseeable future after bosses put a cork in plans to turn it into an Italian wine bar.
The unnamed establishment recently revealed hopes to bring “something a bit different” to Whitstable High Street, filling the glaring gap the chain left when it went into administration in 2023.
Prezzo in Whitstable before it closed
But despite early positivity surrounding the project, including securing a premises licence with no objections, the opening has been halted.
Rising costs and reductions in business rates relief have been blamed for its failure so far.
A statement from those behind the proposals says: “Nothing is off the table or on the table right now, but we will not be proceeding with the original deal, and at this moment, nothing is happening.
“The rise in national insurance and business rates discounts being reduced from 75% to 40% has probably scuppered it.
“We’d missed the fit-out time, and we’d be about to miss the summer trade.”
The former Prezzo in Whitstable High Street has been vacant since 2023
It was initially hoped to see the wine bar open this summer in what was described as a “spot-on, brilliant location”.
There were plans to offer small plates, as well as Italian alcohol, while also making use of the pizza oven left behind.
However, despite the restaurant and bar falling through at this stage, the prospective new restaurateurs say the plans could be revived if a new deal between the landlord and prospective tenants can be struck.