Pop-up food stalls could be returning to Ainsdale Beach in Southport this summer.
Last year, for the first time, visitors to Ainsdale Beach were able to taste-test fish and chips as well as coffee and cakes, as a pop-up food and drink trial began.
Last year also saw the transformation of the neighbouring Toad Hall building into a huge sand lizard mural, the largest mural by a signal artist in the UK, created by Pau Curtis.
Last year’s pop-up food outlet trial is deemed to have been a success, with a planning application having now been submitted to Sefton Council to see temporary food and drink concessions return to the Ainsdale Off-Beach Picnic Area, on Shore Road in Ainsdale.
The outlets would be in place from 1st April until 30th September.
It would consist of converted shipping containers, with outdoor and a rooftop seating area.
There would be socially distanced seating for up to 60 people in the designated area.
The applicant said: “Hot and cold food and drink to be provided using two 20ft x 8ft converted shipping containers as a kitchen, welfare facilities and a bar and rooftop seating.
“The concession will operate from 10am to 8pm each day to respect local neighbours, wildlife and visitors to Ainsdale with daily litter picks.
“The sale of alcoholic drinks will be allowed to be consumed in the designated area within the opening hours.
“Ambient acoustic background music will be allowed during the hours of operation.
“A temporary wooden pergola structure with fairy lights will be constructed to provide shelter for seating in the centre of the site.
“It will operate for a period of up to 180 days per summer season from 1st April to the 30th September per year.
“This follows the successful trial of the concept for two 2 months in Summer 2021.
“Feedback from the public was very supportive for a return in future years.”
The facilities would be open between 10am and 8pm seven days a week, including Sundays and bank holidays.
Last summer, North West based company, B-Eat On The Street offered tasty treats out of two shipping containers by the entrance to Ainsdale Beach.
The new pop-up initiative was part of a Sefton Council trial to provide more visitor facilities at busy coastal locations.
Last summer also saw The Bus Yard return to Crosby Coastal Park.
Speaking last year, Cllr Ian Moncur, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, said:
“These temporary pop-up food and drink offers at Crosby and Ainsdale, are in response to regular feedback from visitors and residents, who feel there are not enough hospitality facilities along our coastline.
“Our Green Sefton officers have organised these trials to explore ways to answer those calls and to offer the best possible experience for all beach users.
“They’ve worked really closely with the local businesses taking part, as well as understanding community concerns about any adverse effects, and from the positive feedback we received from the trial, it seems they’ve got it right”.
Cllr Moncur added:
“If we get this balance right, Sefton’s beautiful coast can become an even greater asset to the borough while maintaining its unique character.
“By supporting initiatives such as this, we can help create jobs and offer a boost to the local economy as well as enhancing our visitor attractions; really complementing our longer-term vision to get the right offer for everyone while protecting our special landscape.”
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