HEMEL HEMPSTEAD, UNITED KINGDOM -- (Marketwire) -- 04/26/12 -- The new South Beach Cafe is the first of its kind for Haven, who can offer their customers caravan holidays at 34 other holiday parks around the UK. The development is part of a GBP 2million investment that aims to make the beach feel even more accessible to not only guests and owners at Devon Cliff's holiday park but also local residents.
The South Beach Cafe has been set on a commanding spot overlooking the sandy bay below, with views out to sea and along the Jurassic coastline as far as the eye can see. It makes an ideal spot for those walking the South West Coastal path from Budleigh Salterton to Exmouth or for the more adventurous those that walk the entire length of the Jurassic coast from Exmouth to Swanage.
The cafe has been decorated in its own very unique style a driftwood bar, barrel tables all very in keeping with its location. It's an informal and relaxed environment where holidaymakers, local residents and any visitors to the area can pop in for a quick drink with friends, enjoy a coffee with the morning papers, an ice cream on the sun deck or choose anything from a snack to a 3 course meal for lunch or dinner.
The decor is not the only thing that's unique about the cafe. The menu offers dishes specifically found in the region so naturally offers a tempting selection of fish dishes. All the ingredients are fresh and they use only the highest quality products sourced from local suppliers.
Chef, Seldon Curry, was head chef at Mark Hix's restaurant Oyster & Fish House in Lyme Regis. Seldon says "We believe you can really taste the difference as all of our food arrives daily and is sourced from local farms, fisherman in a 30 mile radius of the park. We make everything fresh each day in our kitchen, even the mayonnaise. We also offer a selection of local wines and ales and other local produce for people to enjoy. It's great as we get to meet our suppliers when they drop off their produce and they love to get the feedback from our customers too". The menu includes a delicious fresh brown crab caught just off the coast at Brixham, a selection of fresh fish including deep fried Pollack from Lyme Bay and handcut chips with mushy peas, homemade burger made with beef from the cows at Burrow Farm in Exeter, delicious Devon Ice cream from Otter Valley Dairy farm, home baked pastries, freshly ground coffee, and local ciders and real ales from Red Rock and Teignworthy Breweries.
A small shop selling a selection of other local produce gives visitors the opportunity to take a taste of Devon home with them. Offering real ale, shortbread, local honey and jam, fudge, chilli sauces and chocolate.
For guests who prefer to be outside there's plenty of outdoor space around the cafe including a tiered deck where families can relax and take in the view throughout the day.
There's a beach style playground especially for the kids, and a nearby sandy area with comfortable sun loungers from where the adults can supervise. A newly built pathway leads gently down to the beach below where there are plans for a smaller beach cafe serving ice creams, drinks and snacks. There are also a number of beach activities on offer for guests including volleyball.
While the team are excited about welcoming families into the new Devon holiday parks South Beach Cafe it's not the only option available for meals or snacks: There's also a Mash and Barrel and various takeaways including Papa John's pizza and a traditional fish and chip shop. Devon Cliffs is one of Haven's larger holiday parks and it also has plenty of other facilities including heated indoor and outdoor pools and a multi-lane slide. There's adventure golf, a Spa for the over 15s and a full programme of kids' clubs, organised activities and coaching in a choice of sports.
Guests can pre-purchase Activity passes to book onto sessions of fencing, archery, climbing, balance bikes and various pool activities including Water Walkerz, Aqua Jets, Pool Kayaking and Turbo Paddlers. With direct access to a lovely sandy bay below, the seaside has always been a prominent feature at Devon Cliffs Holiday Park in Exmouth, Devon.
Environmentally friendly
Windcatchers have been installed on the roof. This natural ventilation system literally catches the wind and sends it into the building whilst at the same time taking the stale air out. Cool fresh sea air is provided for everyone inside without mechanical intervention! There are solar panels to provide hot water, Photovoltaic technology provides the electricity and Brise Soleil protection allows light to come in but reduces heat from the sun during the summer months reducing the requirement for cooling.
Value for money
Breakfast menu starts from GBP 3 but if you want the full works GBP 6.50. A gourmet sandwich for lunch starts from GBP 4.50 and a main meal starts from GBP 6 up to GBP 10 depending on your budget.
Holidays at Devon Cliffs remain excellent value for money with spring breaks available from as little as GBP 99 for a family of up to six in Superior accommodation or book a four night summer break from GBP 299 (based on arrival on June 25th). For more info click on www.haven.com or call 0871 230 1900.
Note to Editors:
Mark Hix
In April 2008 Hix opened Hix Oyster and Chop House, in Farringdon London. He also opened Hix Oyster & Fish House in Lyme Regis in Dorset and most recently Hix Soho in the West End. He was previously chef director of Caprice Holdings, where he oversaw all the restaurants, menus and events in the Caprice Group, including The Ivy. Hix competed in the BBC television series Great British Menu in 2007, winning the South West England heat. Hix has written a number of cookbooks including Fish etc., British Seasonal Food and British Regional Food, reflecting his interest in traditional, local and sustainable produce.
Some Eco facts about Sandy Bay
1. Sandy Bay in Exmouth is a half-mile long privately owned beach with
golden sands, sheltered and ideal for families.
2. The Red Sandstone cliffs at Sandy Bay are among the oldest along the
Jurassic Coast coming from the Triassic period. Approximately 240
million years old.
3. The red in the rocks indicate that Exmouth was once part of a huge
desert and the only place where you would now find similar conditions is
Namibia.
4. At low tide you can walk along to Orcombe Point which is the official
western gateway to the Jurassic Coast.
5. The Jurassic Coast is Britain's only Natural World heritage site which
means it is one of an elite group which includes the Grand Canyon and
Great Barrier Reef.
6. At the Eastern end of the beach is Straight Point, home to the largest
breeding colony of Kittiwakes in the South West. Sea bird experts have
often visited the site to find out why these birds are thriving here
whilst in many areas they are failing to breed. Straight Point and its
Kittwakes have also featured in the popular T.V. series Coast.
7. Other bird life to be seen at Sandy Bay includes Herring Gulls, Black
Headed Gulls, Terns, Grebes, Oyster Catchers, Kestrels and the beautiful
and deadly Peregrine Falcon.
8. Seals and Dolphins are regular visitors to Sandy Bay, they can often be
spotted out to Sea or playing in Littleham Cove on the other side of
Straight Point.
9. Sandy Bay has some great Rock Pools and Rock Pool Rambles are extremely
popular with families, children of all ages love searching for the weird
and wonderful creatures to be found such as Sea Urchins, Anenomes, Star
fish, Butterfish and, of course crabs, including the fascinating Hermit
Crab.
10. Sandy Bay is also hugely popular with Beach Combers coming from far and
wide to gather the treasures of the Sea.
Contacts:
For media information and images contact:
Naomi Woodstock
01442 868010
naomi.woodstock@haven.com
