Brighton business blames Southern dispute for closure

A restaurant at Brighton station is closing its doors for good - and owners blame the Southern dispute for the move.

The Cyclist Refreshment Room announced it was closing on its Facebook page this morning (January 31).

The statement said: “We regret to inform you that due to the Southern Rail dispute we have sadly had to close The Cyclist. The ongoing uncertainty has made it impossible to run a successful and thriving enterprise.

“Thank you all so much for your continued support over the last two years - will miss you and our spot in the station!”

Just weeks ago traders at the station spoke of their struggle during the strikes.

Dan Pullen from the N+1 cycle workshop and cafe, just outside Brighton Station, told the Brighton & Hove Independent: “It’s catastrophic. The troubles are so bad and ongoing and unstable that people aren’t even chancing coming to the station.”

Govia Thameslink, the company running Southern, has been in a union dispute since April last year, over its plans to roll out driver-only operations and change the roles of guards. Both the RMT union representing conductors, and drivers’ union Aslef, have taken strike action over the plans.

More to follow.