A CAFÉ is aiming to become Southend’s ‘cultural centrepiece’ after reopening following its pandemic-enforced closure.

Twenty One, the seafront cultural community café, has been reopened, Southend Council and Focal Point Gallery have announced.

The venue, which first opened four years ago, will once again be welcoming the public through its doors – from 11am to 4pm – as it returns to opening daily as a café and exhibition space, while hosting events led by Southend’s creative community.

Elwira Middleton was selected to run Twenty One following an open process over the summer.

Currently running Temple Café in Chalkwell, Elwira’s vision for the venue is for “Twenty One to be a cultural centrepiece in Southend, a place for originality and creativity, nurturing local artists and performers and driving to be a nationally recognised venue”.

Prior to the coronavirus pandemic, Focal Point Gallery ran Twenty One for community pop-up events and will continue to be involved to support its development.

Hayley Dixon, deputy director, said: “We are thrilled to be working with Elwira and her team to realise the full potential of Twenty One and re-establish a much needed venue in Southend to be a platform for the vast creative community here, and a place for residents and visitors to come together to support culture.”

“I’m really excited Twenty One is reopening. It’s a superb venue and an asset to Southend. I’ve played so many enjoyable shows there and am looking forward to returning,” Essex-based singer songwriter MG Boulter said.

The council sees the venue as a potential catalyst to revitalises Southend creative sector ¬– ravaged by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Cllr Carole Mulroney, cabinet member for environment, culture, tourism and planning, said: “I am delighted that Twenty One will be returning to service our diverse creative sector and I look forward to the events that will be taking place here, rebuilding our communities by providing a new space to come together to experience all the benefits that culture offers us.

“Temple Café is a thriving, dynamic space in Chalkwell, I wish Elwira and her team every success in bringing their talents to central Southend.”