‘This is the perfect place’: Groves Bar & Tapas embarks on new chapter under fresh management

A destination bar is preparing to open its doors under new management as it embarks on an exciting new chapter.

Groves Bar & Tapas, in Elm Grove, Hayling Island, is getting a new lease of life under Jack Liddell, who is set to officially open the venue on November 13.

The new owner is no stranger to the hospitality industry, having worked at and managed the Olive Leaf on the island for almost six years.

But Jack is now looking for a fresh challenge and is looking forward to getting stuck into running the kitchen at Groves.

Jack told The News: “I tried to take early retirement but instead I decided to downsize and found this nice little place, and thought it would be a good venture to move on to and do what I want to do next.

“I’m a chef by trade so I’ve always wanted to get my hands on a small kitchen that I could run myself.

“This is the perfect place. It’s just a casual little bar, you can order as much or as little food as you want - the bar is open. The restaurant is open.”

Open Tuesday to Saturday from 4pm until 11pm, the tapas bar will serve a selection of small plates and sharing boards, with dishes on the menu including baked hot honey camembert, garlic prawns and Spanish chorizo.

Jack added: “I’m nervous about the launch, we’ve got a feeling it’s going to be quite busy. It’s going to be a very busy launch, we’ve got a lot going on and have still got some work to do but we can’t wait to welcome everyone back in to the hospitality that we provide.”

As part of the bar's new chapter, it will also be hosting a series of events, including quiz nights, with the first taking place on November 19.