Worthing Pier restaurants fear closure until November

Perch on the Pier and Tern are both located on Worthing Pier, which has recently been closed as a “safety precaution”.

Worthing Borough Council engineers discovered storm damage on the underside of the pier during a regular inspection and temporarily closed it for repairs for “the first time in more than 25 years”.

Now, the two restaurants have reported that they believe the pier will remain closed until late November.

In a post shared on Facebook, Tern said: “Last night, we found ourselves digesting the heartbreaking news that the closure of the pier is going to be less temporary than we were led to believe.

Tern has temporarily relocated while repairs take place (Image: Tern)“Further damage to the structure of the pier has been uncovered, resulting in the extension of our closure to the end of November.”

The business has said it is now under an immense “strain” as the extended closure could cause “irreparable damage”.

It added: “What we do have is passion, talent, and tenacity. We have a team whom we love and trust, a wealth of experience and a reputation not only of culinary excellence, but one of good humour and human decency.

“We are so proud of these things, but we know in reality that’s not enough.”

Perch on the Pier also reported “further damage” being found on the pier.

Perch on the Pier has been forced to close (Image: Sussex News and Pictures)It said: “We have spent the past week in limbo, hoping for the best. The disappointing news is that it’s looking increasingly likely that we will not be able to return to the pier until late November.

“This affects us all, both as a team and as a business, in ways we hadn't anticipated.”

The restaurant has reported that it has been forced to put a furlough system in place, as well as ask staff to take unpaid leave and “reduce the size of the team” to survive.

It added: “This is new territory for us, but we’re working as quickly and thoughtfully as possible to get it right. It’s imperative that we are fair and do not shirk our responsibilities.

“If there’s one thing we learned from COVID, it’s the importance of having reserves for emergencies.

“We’re fortunate to have more operating capital than ever before. Sadly, we must take decisive action to ensure we stand a chance of returning.

“With four locations, we must be cautious about ensuring the challenges at one site don’t threaten the rest of the business.

READ MORE: Closure date announced for M&S store

“The support that both restaurants on the pier have received is extraordinarily humbling.

“We absolutely love the pier; it’s a building that has taken a tremendous amount of pride, passion, along with sweat and tears from many people to get right.”

Perch on the Pier is encouraging its customers to book at its other locations, Perch on Lancing Beach and Perch on the Parade, also in Worthing.

Tern is currently operating out of East Beach Café in Littlehampton offering dinner services, which began yesterday.

Worthing Borough Council has been contacted for information.