Hastings Pier Food & Drink, plus new opening times.

I wandered onto the Pier t'other day, quite beautiful weather, and decided to investigate the food and beverage facilities, now that the Hastings Pier Charity has taken over running the catering facilities in the Pavilion and on the Upper Deck Bar & Terrace, and it all looks pretty good indeed. This isn't about the food, as I haven't eaten there yet, but I did like the look of the breakfast menu (more of very soon, I imagine), and other menus, and the fish & chip bar at this end of the Pavilion (in my photograph) is providing typical seaside fare of course; oh yes, and locally sourced produce is used, including freshly caught fish from the Hastings Fishing Industry down at the Stade.  It is still very early days, of course, having only taken over catering since the beginning of July, but I was assured that things will only get better! See website.

Facilities include the bars, of course, ale from East Sussex brewer Harveys, including their own bottled ale (and I do know what it is!), a good wine list, and hot and cold soft drinks. It does look good too inside, and with the side of the Pavilion open in the lovely weather, as not too much wind on this day, though it is amazing the protection you get from the glass up on the Upper Deck when there is a strong wind! 

Oh yes, new opening times of the Pier from Monday 4th September: 

Sunday to Wednesday 10am to 7pm

Thursday to Saturday 10am to 10pm

The Deck Building and shop will be open 10am to 5pm every day.

Hastings Pier Update & New Catering Plan

This is an edited version of Hastings Pier’s latest newsletter which explains that the catering and hospitality operation on the Pier will be handed back from Centerplate to the Hastings Pier Charity on Saturday the 1st of July 2017. A phased reopening is planned, with future emphasis "on quality food and drink" from local suppliers (including fresh fish from the local fishing industry), and there will be appropriate training opportunities for staff. 

The reopening begins with a "pop up" provision on the Upper Deck bar & terrace from Saturday the 1st of July, whilst the Pavilion building and fish and chip bar will be closed from Saturday the 1st to Friday the 7th of July inclusive to enable slight refurbishment and staff training. The restaurant will be unveiled to the public with a new food menu and wine and cocktail lists on Saturday the 8th of July. Weather permitting, a DJ will be playing in celebration of the new opening in the afternoon and evening on the Pavilion terrace.

In addition, a new food kiosk (also operated by the Hastings Pier Charity’s catering team) will be open from Saturday the 8th of July, and will serve "traditional seaside fare" including doughnuts and candy floss. 

In line with the new catering plan, Hastings Pier’s opening times will be extended to 10pm from Saturday the 8th of July until the end of September 2017.

Wed 28th - Friday 30th June: 10am-8pm

Saturday 1st July: 10am-4pm (early closing for Pier Jam)

Sunday 2nd – Friday 7th July: 10am-8pm

Saturday 8th July – end of September: 10am-10pm 

The new catering and hospitality offer is being spearheaded by Erika Holland, who said: “I am very excited to be joining Hastings Pier Charity for this new venture. We will be sourcing our ingredients locally where possible and sustainability is key. Going forward we will be looking to put together a training programme with the aim to provide job opportunities for local people.” Jo Stewart, CEO at Hastings Pier Charity, added “Bringing our catering offer in house is pivotal to our business plan and will bring the Pier one step closer to becoming self-funded in the future. It also opens up funding opportunities which will further bolster our business plan ensuring the Pier has a sustainable future.”

Please note that opening times may vary in the case of inclement weather and for events. Go to the Pier website for further information.