Bosses at a popular cocktail lounge have confirmed the business will remain open – despite the site being put up for sale by Shepherd Neame.
Uncertainty surrounding the future of Lang’s Bar and Cocktail Lounge in St Michael’s Road, Sittingbourne, had grown following a property listing which saw the site appear for sale on Rightmove.
However, Leon Dawson, who has owned and run the business for more than five years, says it is in better shape than ever and has vowed not to bring the shutters down.
“We’ve been assured nothing will affect our time at the business, it seems that Shepherd Neame is simply reducing its portfolio,” Mr Dawson said.
“Unless we decide to pull out, we want to be here for at least another 10 years – and even longer if possible.
“We are not closing, business is going well and we’re packed every weekend so I can’t complain.
“A new owner wouldn’t affect the business as such because we’re separate from the building.”
It is understood Lang’s will be protected by its lease, which expires in September 2036, and any new owner would be taking the property on as an investment opportunity.
“We can confirm that we have taken the decision to sell the building…”
The bar, which is open on Fridays and Saturdays from 6pm to 2am, is also on a fixed-rate rent which is not set for review until April 2036 – five months before the lease ends.
A stone’s throw away from the railway station, the property is currently being marketed by Savill’s for £275,000.
Before being transformed into Lang’s, the lounge had been run by Shepherd Neame as a pub under the name of The Globe & Engine and A Taste of Portugal.
Commercial estates manager at the Faversham-based brewery, John Barnes, said: “We can confirm that we have taken the decision to sell the building currently occupied by Lang’s Bar and Cocktail Lounge in St Michael’s Road, as it no longer fits our business needs.”
