End of an era as beloved Bideford party venue closes its doors
Crabby Dicks in Bideford has shut its doors for the final time after owner Rob Braddick said it was no longer making money due to the tough climate for hospitality…
A beloved Bideford party venue that has been a cornerstone of nights out in the town for more than two decades has closed its doors for the last time.
Crabby Dicks in Cooper Street, along with its giant marlin mascot, has held its final night of revelry after 26 years. Or has it?
Owner Rob Braddick said he was “emotional” to shut the venue and “reel in the line” after so long but added: “Everybody knows that costs in the hospitality game have been spiralling upwards for years and footfall is going down, especially in late night venues.
“It’s a sad feeling, as this was the first venture my dad ever let me go solo on back in the late 1990s.”
Crabby Dicks over the years, pictures courtesy of Rob Braddick
The local businessman, who also owns Braddicks Holiday Park, Seafield House, The Pier House and The Fairway Buoy among others in in Westward Ho! Said his focus would now be on the Ho! Including the New Year’s Eve fireworks.
Of Crabby Dicks he added: “You know it’s a tough game when your great great granddad John Joseph Braddick paid £88 for the building in 1884… and it has no mortgage… AND you still can’t make it pay!”
However… after a huge outpouring on social media and many posts begging Rob for ‘one final blowout’, he does appear to be considering one last Crabby Dicks farewell party – watch this space!