The boss of a cafe which came under fire for going cashless says he made the decision after suffering multiple break-ins in recent months.

The Secret Garden at Standard Quay, Faversham, will only take card payments from now on in a move which has left some disgruntled customers vowing to never return.

But Quayside Properties boss Michael White, who manages the Quay and the tea room, explained it was a matter of security and convenience – with an exodus of the town’s banks also playing a part in the decision.

He told KentOnline: “We're open seven days a week, so of course it creates a problem over the weekend in getting change or being able to take money to the bank.

“Mainly we have ladies working in the tea room.

“We've had more than one break-in recently so we decided to make sure(going card-only) will help security of the business as we haven't got any cash on the side.

“There are some people about that look to where they can have an easy target like a tea room lady taking money to the bank or going to get change.”

It comes as some customers vowed never to return if they are unable to make cash payment.

Hilary Dryland said on social media it was “a shame” to see the firm ditch cash as she “liked going there but won’t be going anymore”.

Lynn Parter added: “I won’t use a business that only takes cards, so there.”

But Mr White said 96 percent of customers prefer to use card over cash when using the facility anyway.

The business says it banks with Barclays and Natwest, which Faversham lost in 2021 and 2022 respectively, and using the Post Office to carry out transactions takes up too much time.

Despite the explanation, the reaction to the news has been mixed – with many reciting the colloquial phrase “cash is king”.

Other businesses in the Quay confirmed they would still take cash – all of whom are independent traders as opposed to separate arms of Quayside Properties.

Leon Simmonds called the move “very foolish” and expressed his view “any business refusing to accept cash should be avoided”.

Peter Baldock, boss of The Royal Cinema in Market Place, said: “Our cinema prefers cash - it always works, I don't have to pay the card fees, and I can keep my prices down.”

Reacting on social media, Keith Drury wrote: “I'm not petty enough to have a tantrum about it and stop going to one of the best food and coffee places in town.”

Jill Sharp added: “I will happily still use The Secret Garden as I must be a rare 'non-cash' carrier.”

The historic quay was previously used as a working boatyard but has undergone extensive efforts by Michael White to transform it into a trendy collection of shops and restaurants.