A SEASIDE fish and chip shop which closed more than three years ago is set to be revived with a national chain jumping in to take on the empty restaurant.
The Bay Fish and Chips closed its doors during the coronavirus pandemic and has remained closed ever since.
But it’s been given a new lease of life after national chain Churchill’s Fish and Chips launched a bid to take on the restaurant.
The chain, which runs 18 Churchill’s restaurants across the country, has submitted an application to Southend Council’s licensing team.
The Echo understands the company hopes to open the eatery in The Broadway under the Churchill’s Fish Restaurant brand, boasting a full sit-down offering.
Its licensing application seeks permission to serve alcohol daily between 11.30am and 10pm and play live music between noon and 10pm.
Thorpe councillor Ron Woodley is pleased there is interest in the empty restaurant, which is close to several homes.
The Independent councillor said: “It’s always good not to have an empty unit but then again we don’t The Broadway to be solely restaurants. It’s a local shopping area for local people, especially the elderly.
“Whatever happens, it has to fit in with the other premises around there to protect the residential outlets and to make sure there’s nothing outrageous that would impact the other restaurants.
“There’s not anywhere where there is live music as such along there, but there are places that play recorded music.”
The Bay’s website hasn’t been updated since 2020, when a notice was uploaded to inform customers it was closing its doors because of the Covid pandemic.
“Due to the Covid-19 pandemic we have taken the decision to temporarily close for the safety of our customers and staff,” it said.
Mr Woodley said refurbishments have been completed at the restaurant more recently.
The restaurant sits between another two eateries – The Broadway Café and the Red Lantern Chinese takeaway – with many more places to grab a meal just a stone’s throw away.
Residents have until June 17 to provide feedback to the council on the licensing application.
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