Itaca’s cafe and wine bar in Ashford has closed just two years after opening
Ashford: Itaca’s cafe and wine bar has closed after just two years. The bistro featured a pink marble bar and opened in December 2022.
The twin brothers, Charlie and Billy Banyard, transformed the space. They dreamed of this business while on holiday four years before it opened.
Now, the brothers have moved to London for other projects. A new buyer was interested, but that deal fell through.
Charlie Banyard mentioned they won’t pursue the sale again. The unit is now available for rent, but the bar and its items can still be purchased.
They received many booking requests, but running the bar became too time-consuming. Despite being busy, they had to focus on other projects.
Opening the bar was a great experience for them. They made over 11,000 cocktails in the first year and hosted more than 40 baby showers.
The space is being advertised for £20,500 per year. It’s described as finished to a high standard with marbled floors.
During the day, Itaca’s served coffee and light meals. At night, it transformed into a wine bar with a cocktail menu.
The building is Grade II-listed and features two restored Georgian pillars. The other half of the former Merchant Chandler unit is now a Fusion Multicuisine restaurant.
Itaca’s, Fusion, and the former Evans unit make up Draper’s Corner. Miso Construction is upgrading the units and adding six apartments above.
Eventually, the former Evans unit will be filled by a retail space.
