Councillor says closure of beloved Anchorsholme Park café a ‘shame’ as appeals for business to take over grow

A Blackpool councillor has described the impending closure of Anchorsholme Park's popular BREW café as "such a shame" as efforts continue to find a new operator to take over the site.

The café first opened in July 2020 when the revamped park reopened following five years of closure during United Utilities' £80 million water project. After initially operating a limited service because of Covid restrictions, BREW went on to establish itself as a recognised community hub and focal point for park users.

Emma Ellison, councillor for Norbreck Ward, said: “I have had lots of messages about the closure of the café on Anchorsholme Park. It's such a shame that the café will be closing after August. Blackpool Catering services who run the café, are being taken over by Lancashire County Council.

“Blackpool Catering services run the school dinner contracts and the café was the only commercial business the catering service had, so the café has been put out to tender by Blackpool Council and hopefully a business will be chosen to take over the café on the park.

“It's a real shame that the café will close before this happens, as there are so many residents who use the café and it very concerning that the café could be closed and empty while the tender process is taking place.

“Hopefully the council will keep us in informed of the progress of the tender process.”

Earlier this week, BREW appealed for a new tenant to take over the lease, saying: “Could you or your business help take over running the café at Anchorsholme Park? We're looking for a new tenant to take over the lease for the café.

“The café is a popular venue in the middle of the park, near the seafront, and the new tenant can benefit from access to free renewable energy which is being installed from next month. We've loved serving delicious coffees and freshly cooked food to you over the last few years.

“However, due to Blackpool Catering Services merging into Lancashire County Council, BREW as you know it will be closing the doors for the final time this month. Our last day of trading will be Monday 31 August. To help us wind down the café smoothly, we'll be serving customers from our external hatch from Friday 28 August throughout the Bank Holiday weekend.

“From all of the team, we'd like to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has visited us over the years. Your support has meant so much, and it's been a pleasure welcoming you through our doors.”

A Blackpool Council spokesperson previously said: "As part of the transfer of Blackpool Catering Services over to Lancashire County Council, we are set to outsource the running of Anchorsholme Park cafe, Brew, from September. The café will be delivered in a similar way to the cafes at Stanley Park and Solaris Centre, offering an exciting opportunity for a commercial vendor."

If you are interested in taking on the lease, please contact [email protected]