CONSTRUCTION work on a new St Brelade Bay restaurant has been delayed, but the operator behind the venture is still hopeful it will open this summer.
Gavin Reid, managing director of pub and restaurant group Randalls, said that Covid delays and a shortage of building materials had prevented new business ‘The Beach Club’ from opening.
The restaurant, which is being built on the site of the former Wayside Café, was originally due to open at the end of May. However, Mr Reid said they can no longer give a definitive opening date.
Several firms have reported disruption to building supply chains and increased post-Brexit paperwork, causing difficulties for the construction industry.
Mr Reid said: ‘A combination of Covid-19 and a shortage of building materials has meant that the works have been delayed. At the moment we are not too sure on an exact opening date but we are still really hopeful that we will be open for the summer.’
He added: ‘Of course, we would like to open now but there are a number of factors at play which are out of our control. We just have to take it on the chin, but when we do open, it will be worth it.’
The venue, located at the eastern end of the bay, is set to have capacity for 100 customers inside, plus a further 50 al-fresco covers.
Mr Reid added: ‘Customers can expect all day trading, working from breakfast all the way through to dinner. It is going to have a Mediterranean feel to it and I think it is only going to compliment what is already an incredible bay that is enjoyed by Islanders and visitors alike.’
Randalls is developing the venue in conjunction with local partners Mitchell Building Contractors and Axis Mason architects.
The Wayside Café closed in November 2019 after planning consent was given for a development that also includes five apartments and a bungalow on Mont Sohier.
Planning permission was granted on appeal following protests from the St Brelade’s Bay Association.
