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The Independent Pedaler opens Pedaler on the Port in Dover

11:04, 27 June 2022

updated: 11:12, 27 June 2022

A new cafe has opened its doors in an historic building in Dover.

Pedaler on the Port is now open in the 1893 lifeboat house on Clock Tower Square at the town's Marina Curve.

Pedaler on the Port has opened in Dover
Pedaler on the Port has opened in Dover

Owner Aaron Hudson-Tyreman, a former military man and barrister, established The Independent Pedaler brand five years ago with its flagship cafe opening in Bridge, near Canterbury.

That cafe closed earlier this year, with the second eatery launching in Dover this weekend.

It serves hot drinks, breakfast and lunch as well as cakes, and offers indoor and outdoor seating.

Mr Hudson-Tyreman, 52, said: “I am thrilled to be opening Pedaler on the Port in the old lifeboat house on the Marina Curve and to introduce many of our customers to this amazing space in Dover.

"Having found marked success in Canterbury, we’re excited to be set up within the Dover community and to be on this beautiful spot on the seafront."

Coffee and cake is available from the new cafe. Picture: The Independent Pedaler
Coffee and cake is available from the new cafe. Picture: The Independent Pedaler

Mr Hudson-Tyreman, who originally set up the brand to meet and discuss bike racing with his friends, is now planning to expand to Thanet, as well as increasing his offering in Dover.

He said: "It’s an exciting time for the Independent Pedlar brand, as we set up another space in the Manston area, before kicking off another project to open a bar and grill, also on the Curve.

"With the amazing support we have from our customers and the Port of Dover we think the Marina Curve can be one of the major destinations for visitors in east Kent.”

Mr Hudson-Tyreman, who has competed in bike races and triathlons around the world with the British army, has also birthed an Independent Pedaler cycling team, which has won 21 individual National titles and seven team titles.

Jason Ransley, head of property at the Port of Dover, said: “Pedaler on the Port is a real game-changer for the Marina Curve.

Aaron Hudson-Tyreman is behind The Independent Pedaler brand
Aaron Hudson-Tyreman is behind The Independent Pedaler brand

"The Independent Pedaler sits perfectly with our vision for Dover’s seafront - to host a myriad of independent businesses atop a beautiful public space on the Curve, cultivating a sense of community in the process.

"The Independent Pedaler are well versed in bringing local people together through good food and a strong community spirit and we’re overjoyed that they have decided to open Pedaler on the Port."

The Marina Curve was built as part of the £250m Dover Western Docks Revival Scheme.

This summer, live music will also be performed at the waterfront, with more food and drink vendors joining existing Big Pan Foods, Café on the Curve and Wills Soft Ices.

Micro-brewery Breakwater Brewery is back with a new seating area and a permanent stone-baked pizza stall is opening soon.

People enjoying a drink at Breakwater brewery
People enjoying a drink at Breakwater brewery

Planet Earth Kitchen, a vegan restaurant which already has a base in Folkestone, is also launching.

After years of sitting empty, boats are also now able to berth alongside the pontoons in the new marina.

The vessels have been temporarily relocated from nearby Wellington Dock, where dredging work is taking place.

The pontoons at Marina Curve have remained empty since being built three years ago, following fears they will become too unstable when the sea is rough.

The Port of Dover is now planning to build a second wave barrier to solve the problem.

Boats are now able to use the new pontoons at the marina, three years after it was built
Boats are now able to use the new pontoons at the marina, three years after it was built

Cllr Trevor Bartlett, leader of Dover District Council, said: “Dover District Council is delighted to see the opening of Pedlar on the Port on the Marina Curve, which is a testament to the hard work and investment made in Dover’s seafront.

"It’s great to see an original and unique business that shares our vision for Dover and our hopes to foster a strong sense of community spirit through the businesses here."

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