New glass-fronted St Mildred's Bay bistro and bar in Westgate-on-Sea gets ready to open
Published: 05:00, 25 October 2021
Updated: 12:22, 25 October 2021
A new glass-fronted bistro and bar on a beach front will finally open its doors to customers next month.
The St Mildred's Bay in Westgate-on-Sea is a high-end new venture involving the transformation of the former Pav's building.
Paul Glicksman, who already runs Paul’s Bistro and Frederick’s tearooms in the town, is the man behind the project and says it will open in the first week of November.
He unveiled plans earlier this year and admits it's been quite a journey, but all worth it.
"It's everything I dreamed it would be. I had this vision and it's now here and almost ready to open," he said.
"It's beautiful, even more so than I hoped."
The building has glass panels with views across St Mildred's Bay and outside will be three parasols, fitted with heaters and lights built in.
There will also be 1.3 metre high glass shield fitted around the outside seating area to protect customers from the wind.
"This all means people can sit outside in the sun or rain," he said.
"People really appreciate what I'm doing and everyone seems really excited.
"I've had so many people saying to me they can't wait for it to be open, it's lovely."
As well as the bar and bistro, inside there is also a feature wall boasting a large image taken by photographer Frank Leppard, which people can pose in front of for a picture.
The restaurant will offer small plates, including potted crab, ham hock terrine and half pint of prawns with sourdough. Larger plates will include the St Mildred's cheeseburger, chargrilled steaks, wholetail scampi and pan roasted gnocchi. There is also a children's menu.
Sharing platters include scampi, oysters, calamari, shell-on prawns and moules or a ham hock terrine, with scotch egg, salt beef and different cheeses and pickles.
"We'll have lots of specials every day. We're concentrating on small plates and large plates – it will be different to what we've got at Paul's," said Mr Glicksman.
"We've still got the ice cream parlour and beach goods room which will be run by the woman who was in there before.
"We still want to serve the beach, that's important to us."
Mr Glicksman says everything is coming together and the bar is almost finished.
Keep an eye on www.facebook.com/St-Mildreds-Bay-Bistro- for updates.
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Marijke Hall