By James Pallant

A vintage clothing store is set to close after 26 years on the high street.

Funky Monks in St Peter's Lane, Canterbury, opened its doors in 1996 and has long proved popular with city centre shoppers.

Owner Peter Chittenden says he would prefer to stay put but due to circumstances beyond his control the boutique will shut early next month.

“We have survived through the tough times, the pandemic, cost of living crisis, online sales, but now we’re closing because our landlord is selling the building and there’s nowhere suitable for us on the high street,” said the 57-year-old.

“The landlord has been trying to keep us here but the people who are taking it on want the whole building, which is listed under one address. Whoever is going to be taking it on has to take the whole building, which is just going to be a restaurant, as usual.”

True to its name, Funky Monks sells a quirky variety of new and used clothes.

Mr Chittenden, who lives in Herne Bay, says he has been told a restaurant will open in its place – leaving the store the latest independent retailer to be replaced by an eatery.

He is not sure if the shop will have a closing-down sale, but says he is grateful for all the people who have supported them over the years.

“I don’t really feel like having a leaving party, but things are fine, we’re just moving on, times are changing," he added.

Funky Monks made the announcement on Facebook, prompting dozens of comments from customers expressing their gratitude to the store and disappointment at the news of its closing.

“Thank you for serving Canterbury with the best clothes! I still have my cowboy boots which I bought from you 15 years ago and they’re still going strong,” said one user. “End of an era for Canterbury but no doubt Funky Monks will thrive on,” said another.

"Who knows what the future holds?”

Following the store’s closure, Mr Chittenden and his sister Kelly, who also runs the business, will focus on their other branch of Funky Monks in Briggsys Emporium in Herne Bay, as well as selling clothes online and at town markets.

“We’ve got a pitch at Deal Town Vintage Market on Saturdays and we’re doing OK there," he said.

"Who knows what the future holds?”

Customers can find Funky Monks on Depop @funkymonksvintage and on eBay under funkymonksretro.