SOUTHEND seafront venue Twenty One is about to celebrate its first birthday with a full programme of music, comedy, spoken word and a visit from the mayor.

Elwira and Ben Middleton took the space over last year, following a brief opening by then council, and then closure before Covid struck.

And despite shaky times, being in the wake of the pandemic and now in the thrust of cost of living crisis, Elwira and Ben have rolled up their sleeves to take it over and turn it into the growing community hub it is today.

Elwira, originally from Poland, and Ben moved to Southend five years ago.

They started up the Temple Cafe, which they also still run, on London Road opposite Chalkwell Park, three years ago.

Talking of the couple's journey into taking on Twenty One, Elwira said: "A friend suggested we apply to take it over when the opportunity came up. I was a little bit daunted at the idea of running both that and the Temple Cafe, but my husband was very excited by the idea so we put a plan together.

"Then we got the call to say we had it.

"Our vision was and is still, that it isn't just a venue for the occasional gig or event, it is open daily, as a cafe and bar and has something going on here all the time, whether ticketed or free, private or public, daytimes and evenings."

The place - which is at the bottom of the pier lift, on Pier Approach, Western Esplanade - works as a versatile space for all kinds of events, from art shows to gigs, workshops, fitness, yoga and meetings, which is what Elwira and Ben set out to do.

The cafe and bar also operates as a popular pizza kitchen.

Elwira added: "We've had to work a lot out this year, because the way the business runs is not really reflecting normal times. We've needed to get to know the venue, the footfall, how to handle it if it is quiet or busy.

"We are trying to pack in as many events as possible and are open to all kinds of ideas."

The birthday party will take place tomorrow -  Sunday October 16 - from 11am until 7pm.

Many artists who have performed at Twenty One across the last year will be playing, with also spoken word, comedy and some DJing.

Elwira added: "We never had an opening event - we opened quite quietly, so this will be a good celebration." The mayor will be arriving between 5-6.30pm.