Harbour Cafe at the Boathouse Wisbech closing.

IT’S been at various times called The Marina Café and more recently The Harbour Café but from today it can more accurately be described as The Closed Café.

Harbour Cafe at the Boathouse Wisbech closing.

Tenants of the café within the Wisbech Boathouse have given in their notice after failing to make it pay.

Fenland District Council is keen to find a replacement but appreciates the difficulties. More than a third of the units within the Boathouse, it was reported to councillors last week, remain unlet.

“When we embarked on the Nene Waterfront development, the café was seen an integral part of the whole scheme,” said a spokesman.

“It was to be have been linked closely with the housing and businesses next door and feeding off that, as well as providing an attractive venue that would pull the public into the area.

Wisbech and Proud.....Boathouse

“Unfortunately, the economic downturn has meant that has not worked out as we had hoped. It just hasn’t had the footfall or passing trade it needs.”

The council is keen however to see whether a new tenant might have a better plan for it.

The spokesman added: “Despite the difficult circumstances, we remain very keen to keep it as a café if at all possible and will be working with any potential providers to see if that can be achieved.”

It certainly is an eye catching setting with review on the Trip Advisor website noting that “the full length windows provide a good view of the riverside landscape. Service is good and there is a range of good value food on offer. Located just north of the police station it’s conveniently located.”