Southsea's pier bar starts selling takeaway Sunday roasts in a bid to boost business

The Gaiety Bar on South Parade Pier in Southsea is selling takeaway roast dinners on a Sunday as a way to ensure their business services the pandemic.

Jack Edwards, director at the bar, said that the business has been looking for ways to make money while it is not able to open due to restrictions imposed by the government to stop the spread of coronavirus.

He said: ‘Covid hasn't been kind sadly, we closed in March and are not looking likely to open until at least July depending on the government's rules and regulations.

‘The longer it goes on the worse it is for any business. We are trying to think of all ideas to keep the business going and find some type of income. Which is why we thought takeaway roast dinners on a Sunday. Who doesn't love a Sunday roast? But who actually wants to cook one? We can take that out of your hands. We also have desserts to buy when you pick up your dinner.’

The dinners went on sale yesterday - with chicken or beef with all the trimmings on offer - for £10 each.

Jack added: ‘We have everything in place for re-opening, the safety of our customers is key. We are hoping this weekend will see people logging on to order.

‘It's a good way to try and help people that may not be in a position to cook, but also to try and get a little income, we still have bills to pay.’

The Gaiety Bar reopened in October 2017 run by long-time friends Trevor Bratty and Jack Edwards who spent months restoring the bar to its former glory, while also giving it a classy new look.

South Parade Pier itself has undergone extensive renovation by Tommy Ware and his son Tommy Ware Jr. It reopened in April 2017 after being closed for five years. The pier’s boat deck was finished in November marking the last part in a series of works to restore the structure of the Southsea landmark.

For more go to thegaietybarsouthsea.co.uk

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