Popular Isle of Wight seafront cafe in jeopardy over seafront closure

Seapot, enjoyed by those walking between Ventnor and Bonchurch, could face closure due to a sharp downturn in footfall.

It's due to a closure along the seafront walkway and lack of diversion signs - which means many people abandon the walk entirely or don't know how to continue.

Seapot owner Kerry O'Reilly said trade is down 75 per cent and she will make a decision at Whitsun as to whether to close until the route reopens, or plough on.

Seapot at Wheeler's Bay. (Image: Isle of Wight County Press)

She said: "This has had a massive impact. We are at least 75 per cent down and we are only busy now because someone put a post on Facebook urging people to come and support us. Last week it was dead.

"The prognosis for us is not good. This is our tenth season and we have survived a burglary and the Covid pandemic, but this is our toughest challenge, especially at a time when the economy is as it is."

Signs were promised but hadn't materialised, she said. Walkers leaving Ventnor to walk towards Ventnor face a hard closure, and no signs to direct them up and around to Seapot.

The diversion sign near Seapot. (Image: Isle of Wight County Press)

How do you get to Seapot?

From Ventnor beach, head up towards Ventnor Winter Gardens and walk along Dudley Road or the cliff path to Wheeler's Bay, then down to Seapot on the Esplanade.

From Bonchurch, head along the revetment towards Ventnor and you'll find Seapot at Wheeler's Bay.

It is open every day except Fridays, between 11am and 3pm, as long as the weather is good.

It serves sandwiches, deli boards and ploughmans lunches, and serves hot and cold drinks, and is licensed to serve alcohol.