Milsom Hotels & Restaurants is thrilled to announce the successful acquisition of the cafe at Ha’penny Pier in Harwich following discussions with Christian Zeeman of Harwich Harbour Ferry who has operated the business since 2021.
Having collaborated closely with Christian for many years with the ferry transport and seal trips, Paul Milsom, Managing Director of Milsom Hotels & Restaurants, was approached to see if he was interested in acquiring the business and a new lease with Harwich Haven Authority has been signed this week.
The new name for the café will be Deck 1853. The wooden pier was constructed in 1853 and was a popular departure point for paddle steamers until the First World War. The name of the pier originates from the ½d (half an old penny) toll that was charged.
The chefs at The Pier restaurant, along with Milsom Hotels & Restaurants, General Manager Ian Rhodes and Executive Chef for the group, Andy Hirst, are devising a brand new menu for visitors, locals, walkers and sailing enthusiasts, including home-made pizza, breakfast sandwiches and paninis. Deck 1853 will also serve, tea, coffee and ice cream – including gelato, as well as the popular and traditional soft serve ice cream in a cone. There will also be the opportunity to pre-book packed lunches and collect prior to boarding the Harwich Harbour Ferry or exploring the area.
Opening hours will flex with daylight saving time and the lighter evenings and stunning sunsets can be enjoyed from Deck 1853, with a range of refreshments. Plans are also underway to offer private two-hour ‘Pizza Parties’ with exclusive use of the venue – a great option for birthdays, special celebrations, hen parties and baby showers.
Deck 1853 will be overseen by the management team at The Pier, located just a few yards away on the Quayside and Geraldine Milsom will once again lead the refurbishment and oversee the new look. An opening date will be circulated once the work is underway.
Paul Milsom said: “We are delighted to acquire the café, it is located in a wonderful spot on The Pier and it further builds upon our very long and fond association with Historic Harwich. “It is an exciting time for us as a business and we are looking forward to enhancing the facilities for local people and visitors to the area.”
