Leigh seafood restaurant shuts its doors

7:10pm Thursday 7th February 2013 in Southend

Leigh seafood restaurant shuts its doors after running into financial troubles Leigh seafood restaurant shuts its doors after running into financial troubles

A SEAFOOD restaurant in Old Leigh has closed after running into financial difficulties.
 

Simply Seafood opened in July 2008 after its owners transformed a former cockle shed in the High Street.

The 24-seat restaurant initially did well but is said to have recently failed to negotiate its way through the current economic climate.

No one at the restaurant wished to comment yesterday (wed) but the reason for the closure was confirmed.

Former town councillor Mike Dolby, welcomed the new restaurant when it opened and said he was disappointed to hear of it’s sudden demise.

He said: “This is very sad but looking at the numbers of people walking in Leigh Broadway and other areas recently I can’t say I am surprised.

 

Comments (45)

7:56pm Thu 7 Feb 13

Carnabackable says...

Remember this is old Leigh, not Covent Garden, something other traders might try remembering, the age of the cockle shed has passed, but some have it in their heads, that building such palaces will reap bigger profits, look at it, there's always a smell from those rotting cockles
horrendous parking, and plenty of other selling the same for less outlets.
Remember this is old Leigh, not Covent Garden, something other traders might try remembering, the age of the cockle shed has passed, but some have it in their heads, that building such palaces will reap bigger profits, look at it, there's always a smell from those rotting cockles horrendous parking, and plenty of other selling the same for less outlets. Carnabackable

7:57pm Thu 7 Feb 13

InTheKnowOk says...

Let's hope it's not turned into another Costa .....
Let's hope it's not turned into another Costa ..... InTheKnowOk

8:00pm Thu 7 Feb 13

Carnabackable says...

InTheKnowOk wrote:
Let's hope it's not turned into another Costa .....
I hope it is, I'm sick of the rip off Old Leigh prices, just goes to show, that it's better to get on with the job of fishing, without dreaming your the next Jamie Oliver.
[quote][p][bold]InTheKnowOk[/bold] wrote: Let's hope it's not turned into another Costa .....[/p][/quote]I hope it is, I'm sick of the rip off Old Leigh prices, just goes to show, that it's better to get on with the job of fishing, without dreaming your the next Jamie Oliver. Carnabackable

8:11pm Thu 7 Feb 13

Thomo100 says...

Issue is that people are time poor and local councils simply do not care about local business.
We went to Leigh on Saturday. Parking is an issue and the on road is free but for only an hour, meaning that by the time we got out of the car, found somewhere to eat, ordered the food, and eat it, we had to rush the process, no time for a drink or coffee and rush back to the car.
We wanted to buy some clothes and food items but couldn't so went to Waitrose with free parking.
Shame but unless councils act businesses will continue to close.
Issue is that people are time poor and local councils simply do not care about local business. We went to Leigh on Saturday. Parking is an issue and the on road is free but for only an hour, meaning that by the time we got out of the car, found somewhere to eat, ordered the food, and eat it, we had to rush the process, no time for a drink or coffee and rush back to the car. We wanted to buy some clothes and food items but couldn't so went to Waitrose with free parking. Shame but unless councils act businesses will continue to close. Thomo100

8:15pm Thu 7 Feb 13

thesouthendone says...

Carnabackable wrote:
InTheKnowOk wrote:
Let's hope it's not turned into another Costa .....
I hope it is, I'm sick of the rip off Old Leigh prices, just goes to show, that it's better to get on with the job of fishing, without dreaming your the next Jamie Oliver.
Yeah your right, why dream at all, lets all go and get lobotomised and sit in costa coffee.

How dare somebody try and make a dream come true.

Findus may have been putting horse meat in lasagne but it looks like they left the a55 out.
[quote][p][bold]Carnabackable[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]InTheKnowOk[/bold] wrote: Let's hope it's not turned into another Costa .....[/p][/quote]I hope it is, I'm sick of the rip off Old Leigh prices, just goes to show, that it's better to get on with the job of fishing, without dreaming your the next Jamie Oliver.[/p][/quote]Yeah your right, why dream at all, lets all go and get lobotomised and sit in costa coffee. How dare somebody try and make a dream come true. Findus may have been putting horse meat in lasagne but it looks like they left the a55 out. thesouthendone

8:16pm Thu 7 Feb 13

Carnabackable says...

Thomo100 wrote:
Issue is that people are time poor and local councils simply do not care about local business.
We went to Leigh on Saturday. Parking is an issue and the on road is free but for only an hour, meaning that by the time we got out of the car, found somewhere to eat, ordered the food, and eat it, we had to rush the process, no time for a drink or coffee and rush back to the car.
We wanted to buy some clothes and food items but couldn't so went to Waitrose with free parking.
Shame but unless councils act businesses will continue to close.
Please don't blame it on the council, you could have paid to park, you had money for your meal, and wannabe clothes, though I'm surprised you bothered to eat, at Old Leigh, always a stench from the cockles..
[quote][p][bold]Thomo100[/bold] wrote: Issue is that people are time poor and local councils simply do not care about local business. We went to Leigh on Saturday. Parking is an issue and the on road is free but for only an hour, meaning that by the time we got out of the car, found somewhere to eat, ordered the food, and eat it, we had to rush the process, no time for a drink or coffee and rush back to the car. We wanted to buy some clothes and food items but couldn't so went to Waitrose with free parking. Shame but unless councils act businesses will continue to close.[/p][/quote]Please don't blame it on the council, you could have paid to park, you had money for your meal, and wannabe clothes, though I'm surprised you bothered to eat, at Old Leigh, always a stench from the cockles.. Carnabackable

8:19pm Thu 7 Feb 13

Carnabackable says...

thesouthendone wrote:
Carnabackable wrote:
InTheKnowOk wrote:
Let's hope it's not turned into another Costa .....
I hope it is, I'm sick of the rip off Old Leigh prices, just goes to show, that it's better to get on with the job of fishing, without dreaming your the next Jamie Oliver.
Yeah your right, why dream at all, lets all go and get lobotomised and sit in costa coffee.

How dare somebody try and make a dream come true.

Findus may have been putting horse meat in lasagne but it looks like they left the a55 out.
Dream come true - Show me, the so called shabby-chic Old Leigh is about to suffer lots of closures, due to it's over, self inflated culinary providence.
[quote][p][bold]thesouthendone[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]Carnabackable[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]InTheKnowOk[/bold] wrote: Let's hope it's not turned into another Costa .....[/p][/quote]I hope it is, I'm sick of the rip off Old Leigh prices, just goes to show, that it's better to get on with the job of fishing, without dreaming your the next Jamie Oliver.[/p][/quote]Yeah your right, why dream at all, lets all go and get lobotomised and sit in costa coffee. How dare somebody try and make a dream come true. Findus may have been putting horse meat in lasagne but it looks like they left the a55 out.[/p][/quote]Dream come true - Show me, the so called shabby-chic Old Leigh is about to suffer lots of closures, due to it's over, self inflated culinary providence. Carnabackable

8:31pm Thu 7 Feb 13

Thecountrysgonetopot! says...

Im shocked...i loved this restaurant
Im shocked...i loved this restaurant Thecountrysgonetopot!

9:27pm Thu 7 Feb 13

Carnabackable says...

Thecountrysgonetopot
! wrote:
Im shocked...i loved this restaurant
Oh your the one......
[quote][p][bold]Thecountrysgonetopot ![/bold] wrote: Im shocked...i loved this restaurant[/p][/quote]Oh your the one...... Carnabackable

9:28pm Thu 7 Feb 13

DogsMessInLeigh says...

in the depths of winter not the ideal spot for a seafood dinner, in the summer a bad place for parking and whats more its right under the eyesore concrete bridge, the area/carpark surrounding the restaurant is a bit rough really....but it was a cockle shed/commercial working area before.
in the depths of winter not the ideal spot for a seafood dinner, in the summer a bad place for parking and whats more its right under the eyesore concrete bridge, the area/carpark surrounding the restaurant is a bit rough really....but it was a cockle shed/commercial working area before. DogsMessInLeigh

10:30pm Thu 7 Feb 13

LibbyJ says...

Cue Handel's Hallelujah Chorus - someone linked to Leigh TC has noticed things are not going well in the town!!! Hallelujah!!! Maybe now they might even start thinking about fixing things......... "Former town councillor Mike Dolby, welcomed the new restaurant when it opened and said he was disappointed to hear of it’s sudden demise.

He said: “This is very sad but looking at the numbers of people walking in Leigh Broadway and other areas recently I can’t say I am surprised. "

PARKING would be a good start.
Cue Handel's Hallelujah Chorus - someone linked to Leigh TC has noticed things are not going well in the town!!! Hallelujah!!! Maybe now they might even start thinking about fixing things......... "Former town councillor Mike Dolby, welcomed the new restaurant when it opened and said he was disappointed to hear of it’s sudden demise. He said: “This is very sad but looking at the numbers of people walking in Leigh Broadway and other areas recently I can’t say I am surprised. " PARKING would be a good start. LibbyJ

10:31pm Thu 7 Feb 13

LibbyJ says...

Very sad to hear about this superb restaurant going down.
Very sad to hear about this superb restaurant going down. LibbyJ

10:36pm Thu 7 Feb 13

LibbyJ says...

Thomo100 wrote:
Issue is that people are time poor and local councils simply do not care about local business.
We went to Leigh on Saturday. Parking is an issue and the on road is free but for only an hour, meaning that by the time we got out of the car, found somewhere to eat, ordered the food, and eat it, we had to rush the process, no time for a drink or coffee and rush back to the car.
We wanted to buy some clothes and food items but couldn't so went to Waitrose with free parking.
Shame but unless councils act businesses will continue to close.
You put it perfectly. Things must be quiet even in the eateries though. Didn't used to be able to get served and eat and get back to car within the hour.

There is so little parking in Leigh that it gets filled quickly. The streets are filled with cars driving round looking for spaces. People walking are not shopping. The shops are close to empty!

The local council thinks the shopkeepers are squirreling away money by the barrel. They are SO wrong.
[quote][p][bold]Thomo100[/bold] wrote: Issue is that people are time poor and local councils simply do not care about local business. We went to Leigh on Saturday. Parking is an issue and the on road is free but for only an hour, meaning that by the time we got out of the car, found somewhere to eat, ordered the food, and eat it, we had to rush the process, no time for a drink or coffee and rush back to the car. We wanted to buy some clothes and food items but couldn't so went to Waitrose with free parking. Shame but unless councils act businesses will continue to close.[/p][/quote]You put it perfectly. Things must be quiet even in the eateries though. Didn't used to be able to get served and eat and get back to car within the hour. There is so little parking in Leigh that it gets filled quickly. The streets are filled with cars driving round looking for spaces. People walking are not shopping. The shops are close to empty! The local council thinks the shopkeepers are squirreling away money by the barrel. They are SO wrong. LibbyJ

3:09am Fri 8 Feb 13

Alan Jacobs says...

Thomo100 wrote:
Issue is that people are time poor and local councils simply do not care about local business.
We went to Leigh on Saturday. Parking is an issue and the on road is free but for only an hour, meaning that by the time we got out of the car, found somewhere to eat, ordered the food, and eat it, we had to rush the process, no time for a drink or coffee and rush back to the car.
We wanted to buy some clothes and food items but couldn't so went to Waitrose with free parking.
Shame but unless councils act businesses will continue to close.
This is absolutely right. Councils cannot see pass their purse strings and how they can take advantage of motorists at every opportunity. They are playing their own large part in helping to kill trade. It's time that all parking meters and yellow lines on commercial high Streets are ripped up and banished.
[quote][p][bold]Thomo100[/bold] wrote: Issue is that people are time poor and local councils simply do not care about local business. We went to Leigh on Saturday. Parking is an issue and the on road is free but for only an hour, meaning that by the time we got out of the car, found somewhere to eat, ordered the food, and eat it, we had to rush the process, no time for a drink or coffee and rush back to the car. We wanted to buy some clothes and food items but couldn't so went to Waitrose with free parking. Shame but unless councils act businesses will continue to close.[/p][/quote]This is absolutely right. Councils cannot see pass their purse strings and how they can take advantage of motorists at every opportunity. They are playing their own large part in helping to kill trade. It's time that all parking meters and yellow lines on commercial high Streets are ripped up and banished. Alan Jacobs

8:40am Fri 8 Feb 13

southend_Dave says...

Thomo100 wrote:
Issue is that people are time poor and local councils simply do not care about local business.
We went to Leigh on Saturday. Parking is an issue and the on road is free but for only an hour, meaning that by the time we got out of the car, found somewhere to eat, ordered the food, and eat it, we had to rush the process, no time for a drink or coffee and rush back to the car.
We wanted to buy some clothes and food items but couldn't so went to Waitrose with free parking.
Shame but unless councils act businesses will continue to close.
Parking is poor.

Apart from the massive car park at the train station.

Shame there isnt any public transport nearby, like a station next to the massive station car park. Oh wait....

Good to blame the council, but Old Leigh is always busy, its not because of lack of access.
[quote][p][bold]Thomo100[/bold] wrote: Issue is that people are time poor and local councils simply do not care about local business. We went to Leigh on Saturday. Parking is an issue and the on road is free but for only an hour, meaning that by the time we got out of the car, found somewhere to eat, ordered the food, and eat it, we had to rush the process, no time for a drink or coffee and rush back to the car. We wanted to buy some clothes and food items but couldn't so went to Waitrose with free parking. Shame but unless councils act businesses will continue to close.[/p][/quote]Parking is poor. Apart from the massive car park at the train station. Shame there isnt any public transport nearby, like a station next to the massive station car park. Oh wait.... Good to blame the council, but Old Leigh is always busy, its not because of lack of access. southend_Dave

9:07am Fri 8 Feb 13

sosad 1 says...

i went there once when i got the bill i said at least dick turpin wore a mask!
i went there once when i got the bill i said at least dick turpin wore a mask! sosad 1

10:12am Fri 8 Feb 13

Ivadda Goodhump says...

Natural selection really.

There are already far too many eateries/cafes/resta
urants/winebars etc in the Leigh area for them all to survive in the current economic climate.

The only positive about some of these closing is that it may force the landlords to reduce the rents and thereby allow other retail types to open up. This will give a more varied shopping choice and hopefully attract more shoppers.
Natural selection really. There are already far too many eateries/cafes/resta urants/winebars etc in the Leigh area for them all to survive in the current economic climate. The only positive about some of these closing is that it may force the landlords to reduce the rents and thereby allow other retail types to open up. This will give a more varied shopping choice and hopefully attract more shoppers. Ivadda Goodhump

10:15am Fri 8 Feb 13

InTheKnowOk says...

Carnabackable wrote:
InTheKnowOk wrote:
Let's hope it's not turned into another Costa .....
I hope it is, I'm sick of the rip off Old Leigh prices, just goes to show, that it's better to get on with the job of fishing, without dreaming your the next Jamie Oliver.
So you don't think charging nearly 4 quid for a cheese toastie is a rip off? that with a latte was nearly 7 pound at Costa .. Times that by four say, if you were taking the family there for a quick bite, that's a lot in my book,
[quote][p][bold]Carnabackable[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]InTheKnowOk[/bold] wrote: Let's hope it's not turned into another Costa .....[/p][/quote]I hope it is, I'm sick of the rip off Old Leigh prices, just goes to show, that it's better to get on with the job of fishing, without dreaming your the next Jamie Oliver.[/p][/quote]So you don't think charging nearly 4 quid for a cheese toastie is a rip off? that with a latte was nearly 7 pound at Costa .. Times that by four say, if you were taking the family there for a quick bite, that's a lot in my book, InTheKnowOk

1:04pm Fri 8 Feb 13

Cosmo Spring says...

maybe they'll reopen as a horseburger bar
maybe they'll reopen as a horseburger bar Cosmo Spring

2:05pm Fri 8 Feb 13

twopenneth79 says...

InTheKnowOk wrote:
Carnabackable wrote:
InTheKnowOk wrote:
Let's hope it's not turned into another Costa .....
I hope it is, I'm sick of the rip off Old Leigh prices, just goes to show, that it's better to get on with the job of fishing, without dreaming your the next Jamie Oliver.
So you don't think charging nearly 4 quid for a cheese toastie is a rip off? that with a latte was nearly 7 pound at Costa .. Times that by four say, if you were taking the family there for a quick bite, that's a lot in my book,
Not surprised at all - Thought it was over-priced for what it was and the service was appalling. Didn't even get a response when I emailed our poor experience! How not to win customers and influence them...
[quote][p][bold]InTheKnowOk[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]Carnabackable[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]InTheKnowOk[/bold] wrote: Let's hope it's not turned into another Costa .....[/p][/quote]I hope it is, I'm sick of the rip off Old Leigh prices, just goes to show, that it's better to get on with the job of fishing, without dreaming your the next Jamie Oliver.[/p][/quote]So you don't think charging nearly 4 quid for a cheese toastie is a rip off? that with a latte was nearly 7 pound at Costa .. Times that by four say, if you were taking the family there for a quick bite, that's a lot in my book,[/p][/quote]Not surprised at all - Thought it was over-priced for what it was and the service was appalling. Didn't even get a response when I emailed our poor experience! How not to win customers and influence them... twopenneth79

2:20pm Fri 8 Feb 13

Touch79 says...

The main reason I never tried this restaurant was the mandatory service charge, as stated on their website.

I always tip a restaurant but it should be optional. To be forced leaves a bad taste before you even get there.

The other reason was that they were closed on Mondays which is normally the best evening for me to go out. I know that's not unusual for restaurants but those that open Sundays and Mondays are almost always the ones that get my custom.
The main reason I never tried this restaurant was the mandatory service charge, as stated on their website. I always tip a restaurant but it should be optional. To be forced leaves a bad taste before you even get there. The other reason was that they were closed on Mondays which is normally the best evening for me to go out. I know that's not unusual for restaurants but those that open Sundays and Mondays are almost always the ones that get my custom. Touch79

2:36pm Fri 8 Feb 13

jarvis2 says...

Afterr much hype I ate there recently and it was awful. Food was poor, service bad. I grew up in Essex and lived in London for 15 years before returning. The food in Leigh ( except thr Grove and Irmas ) is overpriced and poor. Its London prices without the quality, Leigh needs some decent gastro pubs with good food and good atmosphere not more TOWIE wine bars with designer shirt types eating £17 fish and chips...
Afterr much hype I ate there recently and it was awful. Food was poor, service bad. I grew up in Essex and lived in London for 15 years before returning. The food in Leigh ( except thr Grove and Irmas ) is overpriced and poor. Its London prices without the quality, Leigh needs some decent gastro pubs with good food and good atmosphere not more TOWIE wine bars with designer shirt types eating £17 fish and chips... jarvis2

2:52pm Fri 8 Feb 13

RobertFS says...

LibbyJ wrote:
Thomo100 wrote: Issue is that people are time poor and local councils simply do not care about local business. We went to Leigh on Saturday. Parking is an issue and the on road is free but for only an hour, meaning that by the time we got out of the car, found somewhere to eat, ordered the food, and eat it, we had to rush the process, no time for a drink or coffee and rush back to the car. We wanted to buy some clothes and food items but couldn't so went to Waitrose with free parking. Shame but unless councils act businesses will continue to close.
You put it perfectly. Things must be quiet even in the eateries though. Didn't used to be able to get served and eat and get back to car within the hour. There is so little parking in Leigh that it gets filled quickly. The streets are filled with cars driving round looking for spaces. People walking are not shopping. The shops are close to empty! The local council thinks the shopkeepers are squirreling away money by the barrel. They are SO wrong.
the restaurant was ok but the problem is parking charges.
many businesses would do well if it were not for greedy councils.
southend council has killed the high street through wanting to squeeze as much as they can from people viviting using cars.
which is why so many go to 'out of town' but that not far out, to shop.
they won't learn! whilst i support the council, frankly they are short sighted!
'don't bite the hand that feeds you' comes to mind.
[quote][p][bold]LibbyJ[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]Thomo100[/bold] wrote: Issue is that people are time poor and local councils simply do not care about local business. We went to Leigh on Saturday. Parking is an issue and the on road is free but for only an hour, meaning that by the time we got out of the car, found somewhere to eat, ordered the food, and eat it, we had to rush the process, no time for a drink or coffee and rush back to the car. We wanted to buy some clothes and food items but couldn't so went to Waitrose with free parking. Shame but unless councils act businesses will continue to close.[/p][/quote]You put it perfectly. Things must be quiet even in the eateries though. Didn't used to be able to get served and eat and get back to car within the hour. There is so little parking in Leigh that it gets filled quickly. The streets are filled with cars driving round looking for spaces. People walking are not shopping. The shops are close to empty! The local council thinks the shopkeepers are squirreling away money by the barrel. They are SO wrong.[/p][/quote]the restaurant was ok but the problem is parking charges. many businesses would do well if it were not for greedy councils. southend council has killed the high street through wanting to squeeze as much as they can from people viviting using cars. which is why so many go to 'out of town' but that not far out, to shop. they won't learn! whilst i support the council, frankly they are short sighted! 'don't bite the hand that feeds you' comes to mind. RobertFS

4:14pm Fri 8 Feb 13

Rochford Rob says...

Wrong place?
Wrong product(s)?
Wrong prices?

Every other place that I like to eat at in Leigh are usually banged out solid.
Wrong place? Wrong product(s)? Wrong prices? Every other place that I like to eat at in Leigh are usually banged out solid. Rochford Rob

4:39pm Fri 8 Feb 13

Shrimpers Not Blues says...

southend_Dave wrote:
Thomo100 wrote: Issue is that people are time poor and local councils simply do not care about local business. We went to Leigh on Saturday. Parking is an issue and the on road is free but for only an hour, meaning that by the time we got out of the car, found somewhere to eat, ordered the food, and eat it, we had to rush the process, no time for a drink or coffee and rush back to the car. We wanted to buy some clothes and food items but couldn't so went to Waitrose with free parking. Shame but unless councils act businesses will continue to close.
Parking is poor. Apart from the massive car park at the train station. Shame there isnt any public transport nearby, like a station next to the massive station car park. Oh wait.... Good to blame the council, but Old Leigh is always busy, its not because of lack of access.
The problem with parking at the station is the long walk,to get to the Cockle Sheds. It must be at least 400 yards. Yes I appreciate that there are those out there that can't walk that far....but come on!!!!

Perhaps theres a business opportunity? Buy a load of golf carts and ferry people back and forth to save their legs!!!
[quote][p][bold]southend_Dave[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]Thomo100[/bold] wrote: Issue is that people are time poor and local councils simply do not care about local business. We went to Leigh on Saturday. Parking is an issue and the on road is free but for only an hour, meaning that by the time we got out of the car, found somewhere to eat, ordered the food, and eat it, we had to rush the process, no time for a drink or coffee and rush back to the car. We wanted to buy some clothes and food items but couldn't so went to Waitrose with free parking. Shame but unless councils act businesses will continue to close.[/p][/quote]Parking is poor. Apart from the massive car park at the train station. Shame there isnt any public transport nearby, like a station next to the massive station car park. Oh wait.... Good to blame the council, but Old Leigh is always busy, its not because of lack of access.[/p][/quote]The problem with parking at the station is the long walk,to get to the Cockle Sheds. It must be at least 400 yards. Yes I appreciate that there are those out there that can't walk that far....but come on!!!! Perhaps theres a business opportunity? Buy a load of golf carts and ferry people back and forth to save their legs!!! Shrimpers Not Blues

5:08pm Fri 8 Feb 13

Bernard Fatsack says...

I thought this ambitious when it opened and ostentatios. Too industrial and expensive. Oh well it will probably become a McDonalds.
I look forward to the new equestrian burger : Big Muck 2 to 1
I thought this ambitious when it opened and ostentatios. Too industrial and expensive. Oh well it will probably become a McDonalds. I look forward to the new equestrian burger : Big Muck 2 to 1 Bernard Fatsack

5:10pm Fri 8 Feb 13

Bernard Fatsack says...

sosad 1 wrote:
i went there once when i got the bill i said at least dick turpin wore a mask!
so true !!! theres no fingers in Findus fish fingers you know......
[quote][p][bold]sosad 1[/bold] wrote: i went there once when i got the bill i said at least dick turpin wore a mask![/p][/quote]so true !!! theres no fingers in Findus fish fingers you know...... Bernard Fatsack

5:58pm Fri 8 Feb 13

Carnabackable says...

Put simply, if an eatery is considered good, the financial climate, the parking fees, and other competition, will have little affect, on the profits, unless as mentioned, the service is poor, the menu overpriced, and the whole dining experience, leaves it's customers pondering, as to why they bothered to visit.
Too many wannabe Jamie Olivers, thinking they can match Boat Yard, by turning an old shack into a designer looking eatery.
Time to get back to basics, half a pint of cockles please....
Put simply, if an eatery is considered good, the financial climate, the parking fees, and other competition, will have little affect, on the profits, unless as mentioned, the service is poor, the menu overpriced, and the whole dining experience, leaves it's customers pondering, as to why they bothered to visit. Too many wannabe Jamie Olivers, thinking they can match Boat Yard, by turning an old shack into a designer looking eatery. Time to get back to basics, half a pint of cockles please.... Carnabackable

6:04pm Fri 8 Feb 13

Carnabackable says...

Bernard Fatsack wrote:
sosad 1 wrote:
i went there once when i got the bill i said at least dick turpin wore a mask!
so true !!! theres no fingers in Findus fish fingers you know......
The Galloping gourmet comes to mind, when ever I read Findus...........Lol
[quote][p][bold]Bernard Fatsack[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]sosad 1[/bold] wrote: i went there once when i got the bill i said at least dick turpin wore a mask![/p][/quote]so true !!! theres no fingers in Findus fish fingers you know......[/p][/quote]The Galloping gourmet comes to mind, when ever I read Findus...........Lol Carnabackable

7:05pm Fri 8 Feb 13

maxell says...

another one for jamie , another tax loss story,
another one for jamie , another tax loss story, maxell

7:12pm Fri 8 Feb 13

GrumpyofLeigh says...

Ok Carn but havent you spent all your previous whinges moaning about the smell of cockleshells?
So why do you want some now?
Ok Carn but havent you spent all your previous whinges moaning about the smell of cockleshells? So why do you want some now? GrumpyofLeigh

7:33pm Fri 8 Feb 13

Carnabackable says...

GrumpyofLeigh wrote:
Ok Carn but havent you spent all your previous whinges moaning about the smell of cockleshells?
So why do you want some now?
I don't want any, just making a point, regarding the business they should stick to, cockles, not roasted sea bass with a hint of fennel...
[quote][p][bold]GrumpyofLeigh[/bold] wrote: Ok Carn but havent you spent all your previous whinges moaning about the smell of cockleshells? So why do you want some now?[/p][/quote]I don't want any, just making a point, regarding the business they should stick to, cockles, not roasted sea bass with a hint of fennel... Carnabackable

7:51pm Fri 8 Feb 13

GrumpyofLeigh says...

I'm sure they wish now that they had bowed to your superior knowledge beforehand
I'm sure they wish now that they had bowed to your superior knowledge beforehand GrumpyofLeigh

10:00am Sat 9 Feb 13

Letmetryagain says...

Carnabackable wrote:
Put simply, if an eatery is considered good, the financial climate, the parking fees, and other competition, will have little affect, on the profits, unless as mentioned, the service is poor, the menu overpriced, and the whole dining experience, leaves it's customers pondering, as to why they bothered to visit.
Too many wannabe Jamie Olivers, thinking they can match Boat Yard, by turning an old shack into a designer looking eatery.
Time to get back to basics, half a pint of cockles please....
Isn't that just the truth.

Too many restaurants with "silly names" and ultra expensive "designer cooking".

It might work in London, but not in Leigh.

I think TV cookery programmes have a lot to answer for.
[quote][p][bold]Carnabackable[/bold] wrote: Put simply, if an eatery is considered good, the financial climate, the parking fees, and other competition, will have little affect, on the profits, unless as mentioned, the service is poor, the menu overpriced, and the whole dining experience, leaves it's customers pondering, as to why they bothered to visit. Too many wannabe Jamie Olivers, thinking they can match Boat Yard, by turning an old shack into a designer looking eatery. Time to get back to basics, half a pint of cockles please....[/p][/quote]Isn't that just the truth. Too many restaurants with "silly names" and ultra expensive "designer cooking". It might work in London, but not in Leigh. I think TV cookery programmes have a lot to answer for. Letmetryagain

12:08pm Sat 9 Feb 13

Soouthchurch59 says...

Location x 3....
Location x 3.... Soouthchurch59

2:19pm Sat 9 Feb 13

Carnabackable says...

Thomo100 wrote:
Issue is that people are time poor and local councils simply do not care about local business.
We went to Leigh on Saturday. Parking is an issue and the on road is free but for only an hour, meaning that by the time we got out of the car, found somewhere to eat, ordered the food, and eat it, we had to rush the process, no time for a drink or coffee and rush back to the car.
We wanted to buy some clothes and food items but couldn't so went to Waitrose with free parking.
Shame but unless councils act businesses will continue to close.
Yummy fancy a meal down Olde Leigh, ok lets go, hang on they charging to park, oh forget it,.........
[quote][p][bold]Thomo100[/bold] wrote: Issue is that people are time poor and local councils simply do not care about local business. We went to Leigh on Saturday. Parking is an issue and the on road is free but for only an hour, meaning that by the time we got out of the car, found somewhere to eat, ordered the food, and eat it, we had to rush the process, no time for a drink or coffee and rush back to the car. We wanted to buy some clothes and food items but couldn't so went to Waitrose with free parking. Shame but unless councils act businesses will continue to close.[/p][/quote]Yummy fancy a meal down Olde Leigh, ok lets go, hang on they charging to park, oh forget it,......... Carnabackable

2:33pm Sun 10 Feb 13

sosad 1 says...

someone on here said back to half apint of cockles have thay won the lottery
someone on here said back to half apint of cockles have thay won the lottery sosad 1

3:13pm Sun 10 Feb 13

Carnabackable says...

sosad 1 wrote:
someone on here said back to half apint of cockles have thay won the lottery
They, NOT THAY.....
[quote][p][bold]sosad 1[/bold] wrote: someone on here said back to half apint of cockles have thay won the lottery[/p][/quote]They, NOT THAY..... Carnabackable

5:45pm Sun 10 Feb 13

grippie says...

"Thecountrysgonetopo
t! says...
8:31pm Thu 7 Feb 13

Im shocked...i loved this restaurant"

"LibbyJ says...
10:31pm Thu 7 Feb 13

Very sad to hear about this superb restaurant going down."

I agree my family used it a couple of times last year and found it a delight. Had a great atmosphere and ambiance. Food terrific, What a shame.
"Thecountrysgonetopo t! says... 8:31pm Thu 7 Feb 13 Im shocked...i loved this restaurant" "LibbyJ says... 10:31pm Thu 7 Feb 13 Very sad to hear about this superb restaurant going down." I agree my family used it a couple of times last year and found it a delight. Had a great atmosphere and ambiance. Food terrific, What a shame. grippie

11:27pm Sun 10 Feb 13

H.79 says...

Maybe it's not the parking or the fancy food - maybe the owner had other kinds of financial problems! Mr Taxman probably came a-knocking...
Maybe it's not the parking or the fancy food - maybe the owner had other kinds of financial problems! Mr Taxman probably came a-knocking... H.79

1:55pm Mon 11 Feb 13

perini says...

Carnabackable wrote:
Thomo100 wrote: Issue is that people are time poor and local councils simply do not care about local business. We went to Leigh on Saturday. Parking is an issue and the on road is free but for only an hour, meaning that by the time we got out of the car, found somewhere to eat, ordered the food, and eat it, we had to rush the process, no time for a drink or coffee and rush back to the car. We wanted to buy some clothes and food items but couldn't so went to Waitrose with free parking. Shame but unless councils act businesses will continue to close.
Please don't blame it on the council, you could have paid to park, you had money for your meal, and wannabe clothes, though I'm surprised you bothered to eat, at Old Leigh, always a stench from the cockles..
Then just stay away - you won't be missed!
[quote][p][bold]Carnabackable[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]Thomo100[/bold] wrote: Issue is that people are time poor and local councils simply do not care about local business. We went to Leigh on Saturday. Parking is an issue and the on road is free but for only an hour, meaning that by the time we got out of the car, found somewhere to eat, ordered the food, and eat it, we had to rush the process, no time for a drink or coffee and rush back to the car. We wanted to buy some clothes and food items but couldn't so went to Waitrose with free parking. Shame but unless councils act businesses will continue to close.[/p][/quote]Please don't blame it on the council, you could have paid to park, you had money for your meal, and wannabe clothes, though I'm surprised you bothered to eat, at Old Leigh, always a stench from the cockles..[/p][/quote]Then just stay away - you won't be missed! perini

1:17pm Tue 12 Feb 13

zipster31 says...

A recession usually flushes out the not so good businesses. I think this is a good thing. For example all the cowboy builders, plumbers, window companies have their work dry up and most go bust. Yet the good service, fair priced, good quality product/service providing individuals and businesses tend to thrive. They end up with more work and are booked up to and beyond a year in advance.
As for Leigh, it has many shops we would like to visit and purchase items, eat food, but parking is a major issue so we simply don't go.
A recession usually flushes out the not so good businesses. I think this is a good thing. For example all the cowboy builders, plumbers, window companies have their work dry up and most go bust. Yet the good service, fair priced, good quality product/service providing individuals and businesses tend to thrive. They end up with more work and are booked up to and beyond a year in advance. As for Leigh, it has many shops we would like to visit and purchase items, eat food, but parking is a major issue so we simply don't go. zipster31

6:53pm Tue 12 Feb 13

southend brummie says...

A friend came down to Southend and I took him to Simply Seafood. The weather was poor and the restaurant was empty. We were turned away because the restaurant was "busy".

I never went back and am delighted it has folded. If you don't provide service to the public you can't run a successful restaurant.
A friend came down to Southend and I took him to Simply Seafood. The weather was poor and the restaurant was empty. We were turned away because the restaurant was "busy". I never went back and am delighted it has folded. If you don't provide service to the public you can't run a successful restaurant. southend brummie

4:27pm Wed 13 Feb 13

leighonsea mummy says...

Shrimpers Not Blues wrote:
southend_Dave wrote:
Thomo100 wrote: Issue is that people are time poor and local councils simply do not care about local business. We went to Leigh on Saturday. Parking is an issue and the on road is free but for only an hour, meaning that by the time we got out of the car, found somewhere to eat, ordered the food, and eat it, we had to rush the process, no time for a drink or coffee and rush back to the car. We wanted to buy some clothes and food items but couldn't so went to Waitrose with free parking. Shame but unless councils act businesses will continue to close.
Parking is poor. Apart from the massive car park at the train station. Shame there isnt any public transport nearby, like a station next to the massive station car park. Oh wait.... Good to blame the council, but Old Leigh is always busy, its not because of lack of access.
The problem with parking at the station is the long walk,to get to the Cockle Sheds. It must be at least 400 yards. Yes I appreciate that there are those out there that can't walk that far....but come on!!!!

Perhaps theres a business opportunity? Buy a load of golf carts and ferry people back and forth to save their legs!!!
park and ride from leigh train station....great idea... cars can park in the huge station car park. and people from the train can also use the servis for a ride up the hill. i think a lot of people arnt aware about the huge car park behind the station. people are lazy. they dont want to walk. i personaly would be happy for parking permits in my road. and meters along the broadway... people would get used to it. shoppers dont park down my road. but the people who work in leigh. how many places can you drive to work or shop and park for nowt?
[quote][p][bold]Shrimpers Not Blues[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]southend_Dave[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]Thomo100[/bold] wrote: Issue is that people are time poor and local councils simply do not care about local business. We went to Leigh on Saturday. Parking is an issue and the on road is free but for only an hour, meaning that by the time we got out of the car, found somewhere to eat, ordered the food, and eat it, we had to rush the process, no time for a drink or coffee and rush back to the car. We wanted to buy some clothes and food items but couldn't so went to Waitrose with free parking. Shame but unless councils act businesses will continue to close.[/p][/quote]Parking is poor. Apart from the massive car park at the train station. Shame there isnt any public transport nearby, like a station next to the massive station car park. Oh wait.... Good to blame the council, but Old Leigh is always busy, its not because of lack of access.[/p][/quote]The problem with parking at the station is the long walk,to get to the Cockle Sheds. It must be at least 400 yards. Yes I appreciate that there are those out there that can't walk that far....but come on!!!! Perhaps theres a business opportunity? Buy a load of golf carts and ferry people back and forth to save their legs!!![/p][/quote]park and ride from leigh train station....great idea... cars can park in the huge station car park. and people from the train can also use the servis for a ride up the hill. i think a lot of people arnt aware about the huge car park behind the station. people are lazy. they dont want to walk. i personaly would be happy for parking permits in my road. and meters along the broadway... people would get used to it. shoppers dont park down my road. but the people who work in leigh. how many places can you drive to work or shop and park for nowt? leighonsea mummy

4:38pm Thu 14 Feb 13

echoforum says...

Old Leigh..mystery why it's popular at all.
Over rated ,poor parking and other than chips and alcohol ,why on earth would you make the effort to wander down the miserable 200yard stretch.
Old Leigh is just surviving on its past history and has little relevance in 2013
Old Leigh..mystery why it's popular at all. Over rated ,poor parking and other than chips and alcohol ,why on earth would you make the effort to wander down the miserable 200yard stretch. Old Leigh is just surviving on its past history and has little relevance in 2013 echoforum

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