Southend Pier catering investment

February 2, 2016 by Southend Borough Council

Southend Pier catering investment

Monday 1st February 2016

Southend Pier’s catering offer is set to be transformed.

Vertas, a leading multi-service company specialising in catering across the East of England, will take over running the café at the Royal Pavilion at the Pier Head from Monday 8th February.

The firm is set to boost this key part of the Pavilion with considerable investment, leading to more choice and better refreshments for all who visit the Pier.

These improvements include: branded coffee, ice cream, freshly-made sandwiches, hot melts and homemade cakes.

Plans also include using the Pavilion space more creatively to encourage even more enjoyment of the unique location.

There will be joint promotions in partnership with the Pier and lots of reviving sustenance for those attending Pier events.

Among these changes; coming up next within the Royal Pavilion itself are:

• the Pier Wedding Fayre from 10am until 4pm on Sunday 21st February
• the RNLI exhibition called ‘Hope in the Great War’ from 10am - 4pm on Thursday 10th March until Tuesday 29th March
• Folk and Ale Festival from 12 noon until 7pm on Saturday and Sunday 9th and 10th April. There will be scores of performers singing, playing and dancing to support the Leigh Folk Festival. Styles of music will vary from contemporary through traditional and shanty to Cajun and everything in between
• Friday 1st July - Shakespier : The Comedy of Errors from 7:30pm - a fast-paced and energetic re-telling of Shakespeare’s hilarious and moving farce.

Executive Councillor for Enterprise, Tourism and Economic Development, Councillor Mary Betson said: “We are constantly looking at ways to enhance what we can offer to residents and visitors who come to our world famous Pier, so we are delighted to welcome Vertas on board to help us do that.

“Since taking on catering contracts in other Council buildings, the company has proved how well it can upgrade café facilities, so we are looking forward to enjoying the same high quality of service on the Pier too.

“The Royal Pavilion at the sea end of Southend Pier is a wonderful destination for everyone who has taken an invigorating walk or picturesque train ride to reach it.

“We are very pleased indeed that those making the trip can look forward to being thoroughly rejuvenated at the cafe when they get there.”

Ian Surtees, Group Managing Director for Vertas, said:

“It is an absolute pleasure to be further developing our catering offer in Southend, especially at such an iconic landmark for the town.

“Our team has worked tirelessly to ensure the look, feel and taste of the catering provision at the Southend Pier will be one that local residents and visiting members of the public will want to choose as a destination.

“The customer experience has been our focus in developing this new offer and we are confident that those of all ages and backgrounds will be keen to visit and continue visiting the Café in years to come.”

Other forthcoming events planned so far for Southend Pier include:

• Thursday 9th June until Sunday 12th June - Sailing ship Mercedes is offering a chance to set sail from Southend Pier. Cruises are three hours long so plenty of time to find your sea legs! The vessel is especially designed for day cruises with crew at your service. This Tallship experience is not to be missed.
• Thursday 16th June until Tuesday 28th June – Sail on the MV Balmoral - Originally built in 1949 and now for over 65 years, the MV Balmoral has been welcoming passengers on board and taking them on spectacular cruises around the great British coastline.
• Sunday 28th August - The 53rd Southend Barge Match will take place
• September (dates to be confirmed) – PS Waverley – Cruise from Southend Pier and celebrate the PS Waverley’s 70th birthday. Explore the River Thames and watch as London’s Tower Bridge opens especially for you! Visit Southend & Clacton, enjoy Oysters at Whitstable and see the Forts that guarded London during the war. Explore rivers and see the Thames twinkle on an evening cruise. There’s fun and adventure for kids, and the chance to explore fantastic views and sea life!

Keep up to date with all of the Pier’s upcoming events at www.visitsouthend.co.uk.