The owners of an Isle of Wight cafe and bar are "deeply saddened" to confirm the venue will close later this summer.

The Pavilion at Gurnard Pines is a favourite among residents and holidaymakers at the park and was a popular spot for outside customers until changes to the site's sports and gym facilities earlier this year. 

The cafe’s owners, Katie and Dave, were new to the Island and running a business when they took over in November 2022.

The pair said they were “overwhelmed by the warm welcome” and support they received when embarking on their initial set-up.

Isle of Wight County Press: The Pavilion cafe and bar based at Gurnard PinesThe Pavilion cafe and bar based at Gurnard Pines (Image: The Pavilion Gurnard Pines)

Katie and Dave quickly established a small core of regular daytime cafe customers, as well as a similar core of bar users over the nighttime period.

The pair have made many new friends and have enjoyed great evenings of entertainment, with the bar’s bingo nights going down a treat and karaoke being the most popular, which they said: “Has been great to see and be involved in.”

After a bid to save the sports facilities at Gurnard Pines was launched by Phoenix Knights Limited earlier this year, seeing changes to the fitness centre and pool, Katie and Dave said their business saw a “severe drop in footfall” from non-park customers.

The County Press asked them what is next for The Pavilion.

They said: “We cannot afford to continue to operate past the end of August, as the business does not generate sufficient profit to allow us to take a wage.

“However, The Phoenix Centre, whom we rent from, may well have plans for the space post our exit.”

The cafe and bar will remain open for business, with bingo nights and other events scheduled to continue until closing day at the end of August.

Katie and Dave said: “A huge thank you to everyone who has been down and spent time with us since November. It really has been a pleasure to meet you all, and we are deeply saddened that we cannot afford to continue to serve you.”