La Petite Pétanque new owners on their vision for restaurant

As a former actor, seasoned theatre director and previous restaurateur, Janet Steel is bringing an artistic vision to La Petite Pétanque at The Bowling Green Pavilion. 

La Petite Pétanque hosts a variety of private functions as well as serving breakfast, lunch and afternoon teas seven days a week, with all of the food and cakes being homemade.

Evening dining with fish nights and steak Fridays sees the restaurant transform into an intimate venue with flickering candles and white tablecloths.

Janet says: “We’re thrilled to be embarking on this journey as the new stewards of La Petite Pétanque.

“I always loved coming here as a customer and will endeavour to make sure that all future customers will receive a warm welcome and great food in a charming atmosphere.”

Janet Steel and Alison McFadyen (Image: La Petite Petanque)

Janet will be running the restaurant day-to-day, together with the general manager Caline Cosmin Indrecan, the head chef Stuart Leckie, and a team of talented staff who have worked at the restaurant for many years.

Alison McFadyen, a former senior banker who has lived in the Southend area for her whole life, joins Janet as a co-owner.

Alison remains on the Standard Chartered Bank [UK] Board, as well as three charity boards, but will spend as much time at the restaurant as possible, working closely with Janet and the team.

She added: "With our combined backgrounds in the arts, finance and hospitality, we are dedicated to making La Petite Pétanque a friendly, quirky place to spend quality time, where food and culture intertwine."

Director and choreographer Sallie Warrington has the joined the team and will be hosting monthly cultural events including author readings, performance poetry, calligraphy workshops and live performances.

Although Janet and Alison took over the restaurant in June, they wanted to get to know the team, the customers and the residents before making any changes.

Now they are ready to “launch” their new menus, the events calendar, new events menus and new website on September 1.