'Blindsided' restaurant forced to move after Worthing pier closes

Tern Restaurant was forced to shut on Thursday, October 10, after Worthing Borough Council closed Worthing Pier due to safety fears.

Engineers sealed it off for the first time in more than 25 years after discovering damage to one of the pier's supports.

Staff at Tern reported that the council said it would be closed for ten days, leaving the venue out of business for over a week.

In a post on Facebook, they added: “One of the downsides of running a restaurant in such a uniquely beautiful heritage site is our vulnerability to the elements, but this time it has really blindsided us.

Worthing Pier

“Whilst we are pleased that the council are resolving to fix these issues immediately, we’re obviously devastated to have to close for an extended period at such short notice.

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“Worthing has the most fantastic community which we are so proud to be part of, but as many of you know hospitality margins are tight, and it can be a harsh landscape to survive in as an independent business even when the conditions are fair.

“Right now we need the village to help us find a way to get through the next couple of weeks.”

Now, the business has announced it will have a temporary home in East Beach Café, Littlehampton.

Tern said: “The venue itself is utterly unique. It’s our privilege to be popping up in this iconic and award-winning architectural masterpiece, designed by none other than the incredible Thomas Heatherwick.

“Although it is wildly different to our space at the pier, it is equally breathtaking, with uninterrupted sea views.”

Tern will be offering five dinner services at the café from October 16 till October 20.

It added: “Although we were forced into this position, we are confident that this will be a remarkable collaboration and can’t wait to share it with you all.

"Full credit to both teams at Tern and East Beach for moving so quickly to facilitate this remarkable thing.”