New café The Kitchen @ Felixstowe opens in Martello Park on seafront

A new £1.5million café has opened in Felixstowe as part of continued wider redevelopment of the town's seafront area.

The Kitchen @ Felixstowe, in Martello Park, Sea Road, welcomed its first customers over the weekend.

The landmark project, run by The Kitchen @ Group, was funded by East Suffolk Council, with grant funding from the Government's Coastal Communities Fund and the Coastal Revival Fund.

The building and its architects, Plaice Design Company, were 'Highly Commended' by judges at the Riba Suffolk Design Awards 2022 last Friday.

The new café is the latest development in a wider project of ongoing regeneration in the South Seafront area of Felixstowe, following the arrival of new homes, a play area and parking at Martello Park, as well as the refurbishment of the two public shelters and the long-term maintenance of its historic tower centrepiece.

Councillor Steve Wiles, assistant Cabinet Member for Economic Development at East Suffolk Council, was one of the first customers to step inside the café over the weekend.

Cllr Wiles, who also visited the site almost a year ago to see the final stage of construction begin, said: “It’s fantastic to be back on-site for the official opening of what we believe will be a valuable contribution to establishing this area as desirable place to live and visit.

“It will also bring local employment opportunities as well as supporting economic recovery and growth following the impact of coronavirus.”

The construction of the café, led by Barnes Construction, started in August 2020.

Mark Jepson, mayor of Felixstowe, said: “I am absolutely delighted to see the official opening of this wonderful addition to the South Seafront area.

“I hope it will play an important role in helping the town’s continued recovery from the economic impact of Covid-19 by attracting local people and visitors to enjoy its food, drink and incredible seafront views.”

The café is run by Cameron and Claire Marshall, owners of The Kitchen @ Group.

They have fitted out the internal space with a contemporary style design, offering alfresco dining, complete with daily baked sweet and savoury pastries, scones and cakes, Harris and James gelato and handmade chocolates, seasonal changing menus, daily specials and local smoked fish plates.

There is also a full breakfast menu.

“We are so excited for this long-awaited opening of our third Kitchen @ now in Martello Park, Felixstowe,” Claire and Cameron said.

“We are looking forward to forging a great relationship with the local community and holidaymakers alike.”

Cllr Craig Rivett, deputy leader of East Suffolk Council and Cabinet Member for Economic Development, said: “This is the latest great example of how we’re giving our full backing to this part of Felixstowe.

“And it’s not the end of our plans to help it thrive as a place to live and visit.

"In October, we approved plans for a million-pound beach village, including 27 traditional huts and five purpose-built accessible pods, to be built next to the prom and add to what Felixstowe has to offer as a tourism destination.

"We want to build on its strengths and create facilities for everyone to enjoy."