A STYLISH new restaurant on Southend seafront is set to open in time for the busy summer period, offering high-end cocktails and meals with unrivalled views of the Thames.

Zinnia will operate on the ground floor of the Clifftown Shore development, in Western Esplanade, and be run by the Colchester-based Elysium Group, which is planning to mimic the popular Pavilion Lounge and Restaurant.

It’s set to offer visitors an a la cart menu, canapes and even six court tasting dining. It’s part of the £125million development.

Paul Thompson, 46, owner of Pebbles Ones Café, on the seafront, said: “I think it sounds very nice and there will be lovely sea views for the customers.

Echo:

“A modern and new business like this is a big plus for the seafront and city. I think any new offering and business like this has to be welcomed.

“It sounds like it will be an all round business and rely on residents as well as our summer trade and visitors.

“I hope it will be popular and successful.”

The development includes 51 high-end new homes on the site of the former Esplanade Pub on the seafront.

Tony Cox, leader of the Southend Conservatives, said: “I think it’s very welcome and that site had been ravaged by fire in the past.

“It has to be a good thing to have it back open as a business site and also to see a business want to invest in Southend too.

“I also think it’s good given the current climate we are in for business and the hospitality sector.

“I wish it ever success and hope it is busy too and popular, the phoenix rising from the ashes.”

Beyond the Box is behind the landmark development featuring 51 apartments and penthouses, ranging from £295,000 for one-bedroom flats.

The restaurant will offer food lovers a menu designed around the culinary fusions of North and South America, the Polynesian islands, eastern Asia, and Australia.

A spokesman for the developer, Beyond the Box said: “Work is in progress and it is expected to be open in time for the busy summer.”