The Venus Co. announces it’s the end of an era for their operation at Blackpool Sands
22nd September 2022
Wistman’s Ltd. Devon Life three-page feature
4th November 2022
Image credit: Dillons Design Ltd
The Venus Company – www.lovingthebeach.co.uk has submitted images and drawings to Torbay Council together with a planning application to renovate their newest Venus Beach Cafe at Broadsands, Paignton. The company acquired the site a year ago and has big plans to expand the latest Venus acquisition which is open all year round. Dog friendly, the café is situated right on the seafront at the heart of the coastal path and is popular with both locals and visitors boasting calm and crystal-clear water, perfect for family days out and year-round water sports. The plans include changes to increase the seating area and be able to open longer through the summer season to meet the evening trade.
A well-respected and renowned environmental champion with sustainability at its heart, Venus operates its beach café business across glorious Devon all year-round including Broadsands, Blackpool Sands, Bigbury-on-Sea located opposite the iconic Burgh Island, and East Portlemouth just a short and picturesque ferry ride from Salcombe, which opens throughout the summer season.
Broadsands Beach is a curved sweep of sand with rocky edges on the main South West coast path, with views across the water to Torquay. It has a large car park, beach huts, and toilets. The gently shelving sandy beach means it is very popular with families and for water sports.
The proposals include creating two new decking levels to improve the outdoor seating at the front of the café to allow an even greater view of Broadsands, one of the best beaches in Devon as well as across the water to Torquay. On the ground floor, there will be an added area for storage of sports equipment and at the front, the café will continue to offer takeaway and a shop.
A planning statement says the company understands the importance of providing a facility for local residents in summer and winter with year-round opening. It says it will have an “inclusive approach” to allow all ages access and “family-friendly focused” opening hours. with no late evenings. It plans to be open for 362 days a year inside and out, with evening dining in the summer providing a “much-needed additional amenity”. Images submitted with a planning application to Torbay Council clearly show what the revamped cafe will look like, which a statement said has a design that draws on “a natural beach theme”. It says: “The proposal extensively uses timber, planting, and careful use of glass to break the existing monolithic design and to allow the building to blend in with the natural landscape.”
Michael Smith M/D: The Venus Co. said: “We are very excited about the plans for renovating Broadsands and all the benefits that would bring to visitors to our newest beach café. It clearly demonstrates our commitment to investment in order to enhance our popular beach cafes for the enjoyment of our customers, whatever their age.” It will take a couple of years for the whole plan to be implemented and following planning approval, we will carry out the works in stages, to limit disruption and closures due to construction.”
He adds: “Sustainability is part of our DNA, and we love the beach as a habitat, so taking care of it is integral to our business philosophy; it’s essential, therefore, for us to serve the most environmentally friendly food and packaging we possibly can help protect our coastlines. Our mission is to be the greenest café and shop operator and well-known for our sustainable credentials, serving the best, locally-sourced ingredients with many of our dishes coming from the nearby land or sea. With Broadsands being located in the heart of the English Riviera, visitors can enjoy a taste of the sea with our delicious fresh and sustainable seafood specials from Devon Day Boats.”
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