Perch on the Pier boss devastated by Worthing Pier closure

Alex Coombes, owner of restaurant and café brand Perch, was told he would have to close Perch on the Pier last night by Worthing Borough Council after damage was discovered to one of the pier's supports.

He does not know how long the restaurant will have to be closed for and said the situation has brought back bad memories from when businesses were forced to shut during the Covid pandemic.

Worthing Borough Council said repair work is expected to start on Tuesday.

Mr Coombes and his team are now busy trying to honour reservations and accommodate staff at the business’s neighbouring sites in Beach Parade, Worthing, and in Lancing.

“It’s very difficult,” he said.

“Our obligation is to our team and guests and we want to find a way to support both of those.”

Worthing Pier has closed temporarily (Image: Sussex News and Pictures)

Mr Coombes and his team were able to get back into the restaurant today for a short period of time with a council worker to take away perishable items.

However, he worries about the building’s condition if it is left for an extended period of time.

“We need to go back to clean down,” he said.

“We desperately want to shut the building down properly.

“It needs maintenance and does better with people being in it.”

Mr Coombes hopes the restaurant can be open again quickly but there will need to be a lot of preparatory work before the restaurant can reopen.

“If we’re told on Thursday we would work through the night to open on Friday,” the businessman said.

He has thanked customers for their support and for those who have already moved their bookings to other sites.

A council spokesman has warned that watercraft including boats and paddleboards must not go under the pier.

“The council has contacted local fishermen and harbour authorities about this,” he said.

"The council is grateful for everyone’s patience while the repairs take place, in particular the pier businesses and their staff. Although the closure is frustrating, keeping everyone safe has to come first. "