This summer marks the final season at a popular beachside café as it prepares to close its original Eastney Esplanade site to make way for the next phase of the coastal defence works.
Southsea Beach Cafe, which first opened on Eastney Esplanade 12 years ago, has provided the backdrop for family breakfasts, weddings, birthdays, community events and countless catch-ups overlooking the sea.
While the café's original home is closing, the business itself is not as Southsea Beach Café opened a new site on Clarence Esplanade in June. The location, which previously operated as the Beach Club, underwent extensive refurbishment to create an open-plan and modern cafe with impeccable beach views.
The multi-million pound long-term coastal project is designed to better protect Southsea's coastline from flooding and the impacts of climate change, meaning parts of the seafront must close for periods of time for the construction work.
The team hopes the farewell to its original home will only be temporary, with plans to return to Eastney once the coastal works are complete.
1. Southsea Beach Cafe over the years
Southsea Beach Cafe over the years. The cafe's original site, which opened 12 years ago, is set to close following the launch of its new Southsea beach location. | Contributed
2. Southsea Beach Cafe over the years
Southsea Beach Cafe over the years. The cafe's original site, which opened 12 years ago, is set to close following the launch of its new Southsea beach location. | Contributed
3. Southsea Beach Cafe over the years
Southsea Beach Cafe over the years. The cafe's original site, which opened 12 years ago, is set to close following the launch of its new Southsea beach location. | Contributed
4. Southsea Beach Cafe over the years.
Southsea Beach Cafe over the years. The cafe's original site, which opened 12 years ago, is set to close following the launch of its new Southsea beach location. | Contributed