A battle for the future of a lively beachfront establishment has ignited as SOBO restaurant and bar in Southbourne fights to maintain its planning permissions until 2027.
This is the result of a public campaign objecting against the establishment from residents.
Owner Rich Slater has worked in hospitality for 25 years and is determined to preserve the community he’s built for himself at SOBO. He has ambitions to transform it into an all-year-round facility by introducing cosy amenities like log fires and shelters for winter enjoyment.
We’re here to run a beachfront café, we’re not here to make people’s lives miserable.
Offering food, coffee, a variety of alcoholic drinks, as well as services such as yoga, breakfast clubs and a family-friendly day and night party, SOBO caters to a diverse range of people in Southbourne and surrounding areas.
While always being open to feedback and criticism, Slater expressed disappointment after hearing of the campaign to shut down SOBO before coming to him directly first. The campaign was started by a neighbour in Southbourne, who complained of the noise that came from the bar.
He said: “They’ve gone round and posted a letter to hundreds of addresses to the Southbourne area, asking everyone to reject us without having a simple conversation with us first.”
He urges the public to write a letter of support to the council in favour of the planning permissions.
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