A cocktail bar has closed down as devastated bosses say people “do not seem to be interested in going out anymore”.

The Lava Lounge in Dover announced on Facebook yesterday that it has shut permanently after “one hell of a ride”.

A representative from the business told KentOnline that Covid and the cost-of-living crisis were to blame for its struggles.

“All of us at Lava are devastated to have to close the bar, as are lots of our customers,” they said.

“But times have been hard and we have never recovered since Covid and the cost-of-living crisis.

“Local people do not seem to be interested in going out anymore due to increasing costs and the nightlife economy seems to have taken a massive dip in custom.

“We want to thank all of our customers, staff and management for their time with us as we couldn’t have done it without them.”

In the Facebook post the team said the memories made will last a lifetime.

“Lava Lounge has been one hell of a ride to say the least… full of dancing, parties and laughs… but unfortunately that adventure has come to an end and our doors have closed for the last time,” the post read.

“Us here at Lava Lounge would just like to say a massive thank you to all of our customers that have visited us, the DJs, the staff and everyone else that has been a part of our journey… it truly has been a time to remember and the memories will last a lifetime.

“We wish you all the best.”

The cocktail bar in Biggin Street first opened in May 2019 and hosted DJ nights as well as themed nights for special occasions such as Bank Holiday weekends.

It shut its doors for the last time in the early hours of Friday.

Visitors have commented on the venue’s Facebook post saying it is such a shame and they will miss it.

“Such a beautiful bar. Thank you guys for the memories,” one person wrote.

“Ahhh gutted, many a good night had there," another commented.

The closure of Lava Lounge follows the loss of The Funky Monkey earlier this year.

But there are plans for a new music venue and nightclub in a unit formerly occupied by estate agents Bairstow Eves in Market Square.

Other bars including Rhino and Bull’s, Attic Bar and Vinoteq remain open.