It has been confirmed that a popular cafe at Chatham's Dockside Outlet Centre has closed for good.

The Australian-themed Boomers eatery opened in July 2003 and was one of the most long-standing businesses at the shopping centre.

It was set up by Australian Tracey Brooks who has said in the past: "It is not just about making money, it is giving everybody, especially those with families, a day out on us."

The menu at the ground-floor business included home-made soups, vegetarian, vegan and gluten free food.

It is believed Boomers closed at the beginning of this month after battling with the effects of lockdown.

In May, Ms Brooks and staff donated food to the Sunlight Rotary Club to hand out to key workers at Medway Maritime Hospital, Gillingham.

Rainham resident Val Robinson was a regular customer.

She said: "I'm devastated. It was a nice place with lovely food and great staff.

"It was always popular with people, as you could often see people queueing to get in."

A member of staff at Dockside said: "Tracey had been there since day one.

"The closure came out of the blue as far as we can see."

Last week, we reported how Greggs had decided to call time on its eatery in Strood.

Attempts to contact Ms Brooks for comment were unsuccessful.

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