A gastropub that recently had a makeover has become a popular spot for a summer stay.

Saturday, August 19, will mark one year since The Seaview located in Sea Road, East Preston, was refurbished.

Its restaurant now boasts 4.3 stars out of 5 on Google reviews and 4 out of 5 on TripAdvisor, with customers praising its light bites in particular.

And behind the menu is chef and general manager Carlo Renzulli, 49, from Worthing, who has contributed to The Seaview’s transformation.

Carlo grew up in the heart of the restaurant trade with his parents owning La Gondola in Worthing.

He first joined Groupe Chez Gerard in London, starting as a waiter and then, after just one month, Carlo became Assistant Manager.

The group was made up of well-known London eateries such as Scott’s and Richoux.

The Argus:

“We ran the second-best fish restaurant in the UK at the time,” Carlo remembers.

"The menu was changed every day and, as it was in the heart of the City, we were always super busy.”

Carlo soon decided to spread his skills to the sunny coast of Australia where he and his wife bought and ran their own bistro, The Noosa Nosherie, just a stone’s throw from the beach.

This time, Carlo made the kitchen his domain, quickly picking up his chef’s qualifications and began presenting food daily for the next five years working alongside his wife.

“Working as a chef was a great move for me,” Carlo explained.

“I now understand the process, the pressures and the creativity that goes into food production of a high standard.”

The Argus:

After selling their bistro, Carlo worked for Australian billionaire, Clive Palmer at his golf resort as Food and Beverage Manager running 4 restaurants.

Yet even after all his adventures down under, Carlo decided to make the move back home and was snapped up to run Tutto which is part of several restaurants in Brighton for the Black Rock group.

In April 2023, he became aware that four local men had taken over the seaside pub The Seaview in East Preston and Carlo sensed the chance to unleash his creativity.

Carlo said, “I had a good job but had come home to really make a difference somewhere – I saw that The Seaview, now beautifully refurbished and revitalised, would be the perfect spot for me to really contribute to its success and so, here I am ready to create the Seaview as the heart of East Preston!”

The pub’s menu offers ever-changing light bites as well as an a la carte and a children's menu Carlo says is delicious and nutritious.

The Seaview has interior artwork on the walls, designed by local artist, Lucy Claw.

The team says the pub injects a new life into East Preston.

“Our calendar of events includes live music, gathering together to enjoy big sporting events, a bottomless brunch and our beautiful rooms and a separate two-bed cottage are available to rent for short or long stays," Carlo added.

The Seaview East Preston is open seven days a week from 10am daily and can be found on Instagram @theseaviewep, www.the-seaview.co.uk or 01903 773988