The owners of Crave Pizza in Southport have hailed the new giant Bear and Reindeer illuminated figures for creating a magical atmosphere in the town this Christmas.
Matt Gregson and Rosie Blackburn opened Crave in the Town Hall Gardens in the summer, to add to the successful other business – the Pavilion cafe – which operates in the gardens too.
They were delighted to see Southport BID provide the new character installations to sit either side of the sparkling 60ft LED Christmas tree throughout this festive period.
The Bear stands at over 18ft tall and the Reindeer stands at over 13ft tall, making them perfect for taking pictures with family members.
The Bear and Reindeer and the Christmas tree in Southport
People have also been able to take part in a Bear and The Reindeer Christmas Trail, using clues in pictures on Southport BID trail maps.
One winner will receive a Nintendo Switch with games from GAME Southport, with Crave Pizza among venues where people can hand in their entries.
Lots of people have enjoyed taking a look at the illuminated figures, doing the trail, taking lots of pictures and then heading into Crave.
Matt Gregson said: “We have had lots of people coming in to enjoy pizza and some drinks while they’re out enjoying looking at The Bear, The Reindeer and the Christmas tree.
“They’re pretty magical! The atmosphere in Southport town centre has been amazing.
“We have been working with Southport BID to be a drop-off point where families can leave their completed Bear and Reindeer trail maps.
Crave Pizza in Southport. Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
“We are especially busy during the weekends, when there are loads of families around enjoying the installations. We are looking forward to getting even busier next week when all the schools break up!
“There is a forecast for great weather this weekend so that should be good too.
“This weekend we have installed a new hut outside where we will be serving mulled wine.
“We are selling tubs of sweets too, for children coming into the Town Hall Gardens.
“The Bear and The Reindeer have become a real talking point!
“It’s all about creating more reasons for people to come into Southport town centre in the lead-up to Christmas and they’ve really done that.”
The official story of The Bear and The Reindeer has been revealed. The written piece by Constance Heywood, a nine year-old from Southport, was judged to be the overall winner of The Bear and The Reindeer Story Competition
Crave Pizza has become increasingly popular since it opened its doors during the summer.
Matt said: “We’re seeing more and more regulars now! People love the idea of dropping in and choosing great pizza by the slice. There’s something to please everyone.
“We have launched a new loyalty card, which allows people to buy six slices and get the new slice free.
“We’re doing more events. This week we provided pizza for Southport BID’s Professional Networking Event, and we are providing pizza for someone’s 21st birthday this weekend.”
Crave Pizza sells three different types of pizza by the slice.
It has even become a popular venue for guests to meet up before or after their weddings at the nearby Southport Town Hall, a place for birthday parties and a spot for businesses to reward staff and host events.
Crave Pizza in Southport. Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
Crave Pizza opened in the former Remedy building in the Town Hall Gardens in Southport in July with customers able to either sit inside or enjoy the sunshine on the tables outside, in the perfect place for watching the world go by along Lord Street.
Owners Matt Gregson and Rosie Blackburn were inspired to open Crave Pizza after being wowed by seeing pizza joints in the US thriving by offering pizza by the slice.
They’ve brought back a passion for New York, Chicago and Detroit style pizzas, offering something new and exciting for Southport.
- Crave Pizza is at 110a Lord Street, Southport town centre. Call them on: 01704330364 or email: Pizza@Crave-Pizza.co.uk. You can follow Crave Pizza on Facebook and you can follow Crave_pizza on Instagram
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