Bosses of a popular beachfront nightspot which shut unexpectedly have announced the opening date of a new venue.

Proud Pink Inns revealed on Monday night La! will take the place of Sundowners on Margate High Street with an opening bash planned for November 23.

Proud Pink said the establishment would be a “new beginning” for the town after their previous LGBT+ bar closed last month, less than a year after reopening under new management.

“This new space promises a safe, welcoming environment for all,” the firm’s public statement adds.

Sundowners, previously based at Albert Terrace, shut against the backdrop of a dispute between boss Iain Maxstead and Thanet District Council (TDC) over rules preventing outdoor background music.

Mr Maxstead blamed the closure on “pressures outside of our control”.

On announcing Sundowners’ closure, Mr Maxstead hinted the opening of a new project would be on the horizon.

“Proud Pink Inns will continue and very soon we will release details of our next venue,” he said previously.

“We will be remaining in Margate, our home, and continue providing a safe space for our community and allies.”

It had been a tough year for Mr Maxstead, with battles with the council overshadowing his time in charge of Sundowners.

In August, he took aim at rules preventing him playing outdoor background music – pointing out nearby Dreamland was allowed to do so.

He had launched a bid for a single speaker on his Terrace Deck above the Marine Drive shelter in Margate – but TDC recommended it be rejected.

Mr Maxstead branded the rules “unfair” given Dreamland, situated next to Margate’s train station and residential block Arlington House, can regularly host huge concerts, festivals and other events.

TDC’s environmental health team objected to the application after officers stressed music “would result in significant harm by virtue of disturbance to nearby residential neighbours that would be unacceptable”.