SOUTHEND’S long-awaited “luxurious and modern” seafront restaurant has finally opened its doors to the public.
Zinnia, which resides in the prestigious Clifftown Shore development, in Western Esplanade, was originally set to open early to mid-July but was pushed back due to “contractual matters”.
But on Friday, more than 100 people set foot into the Elysium Group’s plush, vibrant and airy £3.5million venue.
Sara Smith, floor manager at Zinnia Southend, said: “It’s absolutely fantastic to be finally open.
“Even though it’s later than we would’ve liked, our priority was to ensure everything was right for opening.
“We wanted to come to Southend because of the premium location by the seafront and to add to its portfolio of fantastic restaurants.
“As well as that, we wanted to help those in the city struggling to get jobs to get on the careers ladder, and we’re doing just that as we’ve filled more than 35 positions.
“We hope Zinnia Southend will become a favourite in the city, and we can’t wait to see you all.”
As soon as the warm and friendly staff welcomed guests with open arms, glasses of celebratory champagne were being passed around.
Diners then stepped into the Asian-designed restaurant where they enjoyed a pan-pacific menu, inspired by the culinary fusions of the western shores of North and South America, the Polynesian islands, eastern Asia and Australia.
Signature dishes, such as the £11.95 wagyu beef sliders - smoked cheddar, truffle mayo and crispy onions - as well as the succulent £12.95 dragon rolls - panko prawns, cucumber, avocado, miso mayo and tobiko - were all eaten under the baby pink and icy white cherry blossom trees.
The food menu is available from 12pm after the breakfast dishes to "suit everyone", such as eggs benedict, pancakes, and in-house baked artisan breads and pastries.
Zinnia will be open from 9am, seven days a week.
Ash Afzalnia, CEO of the Elysium Group, said: “Southend’s Western Esplanade is a beautiful location.
“We consider Southend a great city, and investing £3.5million in Zinnia restaurant shows our commitment to Southend’s on-going development."
To find out more, visit: zinnia-restaurant.co.uk/southend.
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