From the https://www.kentonline.co.uk By Oliver Leonard, 24 February 2025.

Dukes bar & bistro in Margate’s Old Town closes following rodent infestation.

A bar and restaurant has been forced to close temporarily after a rodent infestation was discovered.

Bosses at Dukes Bar & Bistro in Margate say the pest problem started when historic tunnels beneath the basement were uncovered and they are working to seal the spaces.

Following a complaint from a member of the public, Thanet District Council (TDC) carried out an environmental health inspection on Wednesday last week, afterwards securing a court order which shut the Market Place venue until there is no longer an “imminent risk of injury to health at the premises.”

A notice in the restaurant window says: “The court is satisfied that at the time of inspection there was an infestation of rodents within the food business which created a serious risk of contamination of food and the existence of a health risk condition.”

In a statement, bosses at Dukes claimed that renovation work in its basement had revealed long-hidden cavities beneath Old Town.

While the find was described as “fascinating,” the restaurant acknowledged that such historic features come with difficulties, particularly when it comes to managing vermin.

“As part of recent renovation works in our basement space, we uncovered a network of historic tunnels and cavities beneath Old Town—something that has fascinated us and shed light on the complexities of maintaining a business in such a historic setting,” they said on Instagram.

A notice has been put up in a window confirming council action.

“However, as with any old building, these hidden spaces present challenges, particularly when it comes to pest control.”

The bar adds they are taking “swift and decisive” steps to seal the spaces and ensure the venue “continues to meet the highest standards that we have always upheld.”

Following the inspection, TDC applied for a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Order, which was granted by Margate Magistrates’ Court on February 21.

The order prohibits Dukes from reopening until the council is satisfied that there is no longer a risk to public health.

A council spokesperson said: “The council takes food safety and public health protection very seriously.

Bosses at Dukes say 'structural damage' has forced the business to close.

“We use formal enforcement action where necessary, when standards fall short of legal requirements.

“A food hygiene inspection was carried out at Dukes, in Duke Street, Margate, following a complaint from a member of the public.

“An application for a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Order was heard at Margate Magistrates’ Court on Friday 21 February 2025, to close the premises to protect public health.

“The court granted the order which has been served on Cambray Estates Limited, trading as Dukes. Full costs have been awarded to the council.

“We are unable to provide further information while the investigation is under way.”

Dukes has assured customers that it is working closely with specialists to resolve the issue efficiently and thoroughly, and that it will not reopen until it is confident in meeting the highest standards of hygiene and safety.

“We are incredibly grateful for the support and understanding of our wonderful community and look forward to welcoming you back soon,” they added.

“Thank you for standing by us, we’ll be back before you know it.”

From the https://www.kentonline.co.uk By Millie Bowles, 7 October 2025.

New pub The Wellington to open in former Dukes in Margate Old Town.

A trendy new pub and restaurant is opening at the site of a former bar which was shut down due to a rodent infestation.

Dukes in Margate Old Town was closed by Thanet District Council in February this year.

Now, a brand-new venture is being opened in the building by local chefs Billy Stock and Ellie Topham.

The space will be split into a bar with snacks and drinks at the front, and a dining room serving British pub food, influenced by the pair’s love of French cooking.

In a post announcing the pub on Instagram, they said: “We are excited to announce the launch of our new project, The "Wellington," 1 Duke Street, opening in Margate at the beginning of December.

“The Wellington will be two spaces under one roof.

“We want to create a place that feels easy and welcoming, somewhere you can pop in for a pint and a snack, or linger for dinner with friends.

Billy Stock, former chef at the "Rose Inn," Wickhambreaux, and Sete in Cliftonville, is opening a pub in Margate. Picture: The Rose Inn.

“We’re aiming to complement Margate’s food and drink scene while keeping the spirit of a proper British pub.

”We look forward to opening our doors and welcoming you very soon.”

Mr Stock was previously head chef at the trendy French-inspired wine bar Sete, nearby in Cliftonville, and at the "Rose" in Wickhambreaux, which is in the Michelin Guide.

He and Ms Topham also ran Chix Stock, serving Nashville-style fried chicken, which they will be closing on November 9 to focus on The Wellington.

Dukes was hit with a poor hygiene rating after renovations uncovered a series of hidden tunnels in the cellar.

This is understood to have led to a rodent infestation, which prompted Thanet District Council to shut the venue for safety reasons.

A social media post from the business at the time read: “As part of recent renovation works in our basement space, we uncovered a network of historic tunnels and cavities beneath the Old Town - something that has fascinated us and shed light on the complexities of maintaining a business in such a historic setting.

“However, as with any old building, these hidden spaces present challenges, particularly when it comes to pest control.”