Owners at The Ocean View Bakery and Restaurant were celebrating this week with their decision to open extended hours, right up to 6:00pm through the summer on weekdays. —Bay Life, 11 August 2016
Outside orders taken here all day: Extended opening hours for popular bakery and restaurant in Pevensey Bay
Talking to Bay Life today, Katie and family told us, “people coming to us from a day on the beach wanted to know when we closed and the fact that we stop cooking meals at 3:00pm and then close at 4:00pm, was something than comes up, so we decided to open until 6:00pm, on weekdays.
When Bay Life visited today (August 11) at 4:15pm there was still plenty of activity and we took up residence in the garden at the back in the sun with the first of the Eastbourne Airshow planes flying overhead as they arrived for the show.
Talking to customers soon gave us an insight into how the extended hours could work as a way for small groups to gather as part of their day, at a time that is currently something of a conundrum for both visitors and residents.
The fish and chips across the road is the best, but groups looking for a traditional tea room at these times in the day, up to now have been disappointed.
Local resident, artist and event organiser, Val Racher told us. “I have always thought that there was a bit of a gap in the local market here”.
“What Pevensey Bay needed was a tea room or something similar open at tea time, because up to now there has not been somewhere of this description for people to go at these times.”
Talking to regulars, Denise and her group, in the garden, about Life, the Universe and Everything, we were quickly able to see how the extended hours would suit both residents and visitors, as people came and went.
“The three things people say you should not discuss in company”, Denise argued “are religion, sex and politics”, adding “it is a shame because they are the three interesting things in life”, as we came on to the question of charisma, Tony Blair and the cult of Jeremy Corbyn, and whether Trump had been trumped, aiming to demolish all three shibboleths in a single sentence (2 out of three was not bad we decided).
With the lovely door bell with the gentle welcoming double ching in the distance, the garden was something of a delight at this time of day, as the veteran bombers arrived on cue for the fabulous Airbourne: Eastbourne International Airshow, taking our salute to the skies above.
The opening summertime hours now, as of Monday (August 8) are from 7:00am—6:00pm, Monday to Friday and 7:00am—4:00pm Saturdays and Sundays (hot food finishes at 3:00pm and there is a limited menu from 3:00pm — 6:00pm weekdays), but the long list of hot treats between these times includes steak and kidney pie, scampi chips and peas, burger and chips and cream teas and pastries, which is going to be a menu that is sure to suit all the new and regular customers in the extended hours.
Often heard in the Eastbourne Road, as residents know, is a gentle plea from holiday makers just off the beach at 4;00pm, with their beach mats, “where can we get a sit down and cup of tea and a bite to eat? With families in tow, it is not an easy question to answer, as not all families want to head for a public house, or go for the full fish and chips.
A small but popular holiday seaside destination like Pevensey Bay with a ‘small gap in the local market’ filled by the Ocean View Bakery and Restaurant in the summers is seeing something of a small, but significant change in the profile of local services..
It seems likely that the extended hours, as well as filling a gap in the local market, will be welcomed by everyone.
At 5:15pm, our visit was made complete with the arrival of (today I will be wearing) red haired chief punk and ever smiling, local charity running all-time hero and ex-owner Phil Taylor, with thumbs up to everyone.
There was a nod all round and a bit of banter with all the people that were still enjoying basking in the late sun in the garden at the back.
As people went backwards and forwards seeing what was offer, Katie came out to ask us if we were all OK, as friends were made and word got round that the Ocean View Bakery and Restaurant is now open right up to 6:00pm Monday through Friday in the summers.
“Just one thing”, Bay Life asked, “fantastic service, fantastic place, how many hours do you do?”
Katie smiled and treated us to her secret, “I just love it”, she said as she turned to go inside, “I just love it”.
So do we, Katie and family. The most established tea room and restaurant and bakery in Pevensey Bay, just got even better in the sun.
And we just love it as well.
Further details about the extended opening hours and what is on offer, are available from the Ocean View Bakery and Restaurant, 7 Eastbourne Road, Pevensey Bay, 01323 761495.
IMAGE CREDIT: Ocean View Bakery and Restaurant
