Fantastic opportunity to acquire a popular and profitable seaside kiosk in a high-footfall location on Eastern Esplanade. Generating £250,000–£300,000 annually from seasonal trading, the business offers huge potential to increase turnover by extending opening hours.
Fully fitted commercial kitchen, 46 internal covers plus 20 external seats. Secure 20-year council lease with low rent of £14,000 per annum. Ideal for owner-operators or those seeking a lifestyle business by the sea. RX773713
Location
Occupying a prime trading position along Eastern Esplanade in Southend-on-Sea, this kiosk benefits from exceptional footfall generated by tourists, day-trippers, and local visitors to the seafront. The area is particularly busy during the spring and summer seasons, bank holidays, and event days, making it an ideal setting for a seasonal hospitality business. The proximity to the beach, promenade, and leisure attractions and Premier Inn Hotel (advised soon to be adding an extension and further rooms to fulfil its need) ensures consistent passing trade and strong impulse purchases.
The Premises
Trading from a recently re-built kiosk the property is approx 52' x 23' with stunning views to the rear cafe area of the beach and estuary. The extensively fitted kitchen and service windows to the front comprise of (but not limited to):- 3 x double drinks display fridge, single display drinks fridge, Taylor c606double ice cream / thick shake machine (with digital read-outs), sugar free ice blast slushy machine, double Astoria double coffee machine, coffee grinder, hot water urn, 2x 4 display ice cream service counters, 2x electronic tills, double slushy display machine, automatic fresh doughnut machine, 3 pot bain marie, double electric griddle, chip warmer/scuttle, extractions hood, 3x valentine fryers, tefcold freezer, tefcold fridge, 3x microwaves, 4 slice toaster, chest freezer, under counter commercial dishwasher, commercial sink unit, hand sink wash. : Separate utility cupboard housing cleaning materials, boiler and controls.
Seating Area
The premises feature coordinated covers for a comfortable 46 covers with stunning views of the beach.
A fully compliant disabled WC and separate staff wc.
Externally the premises is licensed for a further 20 seats to the frontage
The Business
The business is a well-established and popular kiosk-style café, trading successfully with a simple, profitable menu tailored to high-volume seaside demand. The business currently operates on a seasonal basis, focusing on peak trading periods, which offers significant potential for extended hours or year-round trading for an incoming owner.
The brand has a relaxed, coastal identity and enjoys repeat custom from both locals and visitors. There is clear scope to expand offerings, increase winter trading, or introduce delivery/online elements.
Turnover
Approximate annual turnover: £250,000 – £300,000
Based on reduced seasonal trading (summer months, bank holidays, and key events only)
This presents a strong opportunity for growth, particularly if trading hours are extended or the business operates more consistently throughout the year.
Staff
The business is currently run with:
3 full-time staff
2 part-time staff (as required)
Active involvement from the vendors
Trading Hours
Current trading pattern:
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Operating from mid-April to end of September
Additional trading on bank holidays and special events
The vendor also opens occasional weekends during winter months on an ad-hoc basis.
Tenure & Rates
Council lease with approximately 20 years remaining
Current rent: £14,000 per annum
Rent reviews every 5 years
Next rent review due in approximately 3 years
The long lease provides security and stability for an incoming purchaser.
We are advised the rates payable for the premises is £12,000 per annum
Legal Costs
Each party is to be responsible for their own legal costs, with the landlord’s legal costs to be split 50/50 between the parties.
Disclaimer
Whilst every care is taken to ensure that these particulars are correct, accuracy is no way guaranteed and none of the information supplied forms part of any contract. Acceptance of these particulars constitutes a contract to the effect that all negotiations for the business or property will be made through Gilbert & Rose otherwise the purchaser will be equally responsible with the vendor for damages equal to the amount of our commission.