ABOUT THE COAST CAFE,

& THE BEACH HOUSE

Nestled along the scenic East Beach of Worthing lies The Coast Cafe, a charming establishment cherished by locals for its distinctive ambiance that seamlessly blends indoor coziness with lively outdoor charm. Its picturesque setting and vibrant atmosphere have made it a beloved fixture in the community.

HISTORY

The building originally formed part of The Beach House in Worthing, constructed in the 1820s and designed by architect John Rebecca. It stands as one of the last remaining beach-side villas from the Regency Period.

In 1937, the iconic towers were added, along with 48 East Beach Chalets facing the sea. These additions proved immensely popular, attracting a significant influx of tourists to the beach.

However, by the early 2000s up to 2009, East Beach had fallen into disrepair. Peter Pan's playground had disappeared, and the Aquarena Swimming Pool was on the brink of closure, awaiting the construction of a new pool.

Enter Steff Sykes, a visionary with a background in urban redevelopment. Upon moving to Worthing, Steff took a keen interest in revitalizing the East Beach area. His initial efforts focused on establishing the Artist Studios, in collaboration with the council. During the studio's design phase, staff were consulted on the color scheme for the chalet block. When asked to choose from five approved colors, Steff's response was, "All of them!" This bold choice accounts for the vibrant colors that adorn the studio blocks today.

Additionally, Steff successfully applied for a change of use for the old tennis courts, transforming them into the beach volleyball courts that grace East Beach today.

Before 2008, the café operated as a quaint traditional ice cream and tea room, complete with a small front serving hatch. Steff established the café as a haven for artists seeking a place to enjoy coffee and lunch. Initially, it boasted a cosy ambiance with just 3 to 4 tables, with a distinctive Bohemian charm. As the café's popularity surged and space became a constraint, Steff's ingenuity came into play. She sought permission to remove a wall adjoining the neighboring walkway, thereby expanding the seating area. This innovative move also enabled the addition of a staircase leading upstairs to the tearoom.

In 2016/17 Steff obtained planning permmision to expand the cafe further at the rear, removing the grass bank and replace with more café seating and larger kitchen to cope.

Picture of promenade at East Beach, Worthing

Picture of Barry Reading, owner of East Beach Worthing

Barrie Reading

My background was rooted in building and development. In 2016/17, Steff approached me through a mutual friend for guidance on the groundworks. What began as a two-day minor task soon evolved into an eight-month construction project. As part of a dedicated team of builders, our goal was to complete the project swiftly and efficiently on a tight budget.

During this period, Steff reached out to me seeking advice on drainage. He also mentioned the possibility of selling the café, as he was considering a move back up north.

Eager to transition away from the physical demands of building and groundworks, I seized the opportunity to inquire about purchasing the café.

I saw immense potential in the unfinished building project and was captivated by the vibrant community spirit of East Beach that surrounded it. During the negotiation process, I quickly recognised the value of combining expertise with another party. As a result, I formed a partnership with a gentleman named Ant Dickinson. With his extensive background in catering and my expertise in building and development, we were well-equipped to carry forward and complete the original café plans.

The café has always held a late music licence, and its beachside location makes it an ideal venue for music and events, radiating a relaxed and laid-back vibe.

In 2023, Ant decided to semi-retire, leading me to assume full ownership of Coast.

What I cherish most about Coast is its integral role within the East Beach community and the broader surrounding area. The café pulsates with a vibrant and lively atmosphere, thanks to its fantastic team of characters.

We've cultivated close relationships with our regular customers and their furry companions, both dogs and cats alike. Many customers have even shared stories of feeling so at ease at Coast that they've danced while waiting in line. It's heartwarming to witness people in their 70s groove to reggae and then dash off to fetch their 98-year-old parent to join in the fun.

Coast is a melting pot, welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, making it feel like a second home for many, including my own family. My children have formed close bonds with the Coast team and frequently enjoy the adjacent children's park.

A group of people are posing for a picture in a park.

Looking ahead, our plans for Coast include expanding our tapas offerings during the summer months, organizing more community-focused mixed events, and enhancing our ordering service to streamline the customer experience—all while maintaining our unique local independent charm.