Plans have been unveiled to turn the former Beachcomber restaurant on Teignmouth seafront into a ‘landmark venue’
A planning application has been submitted which, if approved, would see several minor structural changes to the building which has not been used as a restaurant since a fire in 2018.
The plans – on behalf of the owners of Teignmouth’s Finn McCools restaurant and Woolacombe’s Captain’s Table – aim to maximise the prime seaside location by providing customers with fantastic views over the seafront and the Den while they relax, drink or eat.
A Teignbridge Council spokesperson said: ‘The new venue – to be called The Captain’s Table – aims to open all year round, providing a welcoming environment for local people and visitors, meeting the needs of families and all those who love the seaside, young or old.
‘The new would-be leaseholders of the building – which is owned by the council – plan to open all day, providing breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as teas, coffees, snacks and drinks throughout the day and evening, catering also for special occasions.
‘In addition to a high quality 88-seater restaurant, the new Captain’s Table will also provide a bar area and a takeaway service fronting on to the Den.
‘If the changes designed to improve access and maximise the space in the building receive planning permission, the hope is that work would be undertaken over the winter months and be completed in time to open its doors in Spring next year.’
Executive Member for Corporate Resources, Cllr Richard Keeling, said he was excited by the new plans. ‘We had an excellent response from the formal tendering process which took place earlier this year and chose The Captain’s Table as the best option for Teignmouth.
‘The incoming tenants are showing their commitment to the town by not only taking a 20-year lease but by undertaking a major refurbishment of the building.
‘Their plans are exciting, will cater for both local people, visitors and holidaymakers, contributing to the town’s economic growth and prosperity all year round and not just in the holiday season.’
Fruition design director Mark Green said: ‘Our plans respond to what people have told us they want to see at this fantastic venue and the changes we want to make have been designed to complement and expand on the Teignmouth hospitality offer.
‘Everyone involved in this project from my design team, the owners and contractors will all come from the local community. We are all committed to creating a successful new venture at the heart of Teignmouth that we can all be proud of.
‘We hope the plans will be swiftly approved by the planners so we can get work underway after the holiday season, be open next year and start building the bright future we see for this fantastic venue.’
Business owner Peter Royle said: ‘We have been working in Teignmouth for over six years and are excited to be given the opportunity to ‘strengthen the bench’ of the towns hospitality sector.
‘The promenade is such a special place. The Captain’s Table will provide a new opportunity to bring light and energy to this iconic location. With that, all year-round enjoyment throughout the day and into the evening.’
The refurbishment plans set out in the planning application include:
Improved access to the Den from the promenade
Provision for a unisex toilet block, eight publicly accessible bike racks and beach showers
Improved disabled access through the provision of a new customer lift between floors
Provision of a new kitchen and takeaway service to the lower ground floor, new service lifts between floors, a new internal staircase and serving bar.
Under the plans, the public WCs on the ground floor will close and the Town Council plan to relocate these to the nearby former aquarium and a separate planning application has been submitted for this. TDC propose to provide temporary public WCs if there is a gap in provision.