A new family-run restaurant is overwhelmed with customers in the lead up to Christmas, rapidly building a reputation as one of the best in Southend.

Prowse, in Shorefield Road, Westcliff, replaced the popular Flying Pasta restaurant when it closed after 25 years. 

It offers a Mediterranean mix with chefs from Greece, Turkey and Italy, specialising in barbecue meats, seafood and cocktails.

Owned by Cetin Tastekin and brother-in-law David Prowse, the restaurant stands on the hill of the Arches.

David and Cat are staking their family name on the success of the business, literally.

“It’s our surname on the sign, so it means everything,” David said.

“It’s our life.”


Echo: The restaurant is proving a hit with customers, and is decorated with art from local artists.The restaurant is proving a hit with customers, and is decorated with art from local artists. (Image: Prowse)

Since opening in September, Prowse has received rave five-star reviews on TripAdvisor, where it is listed as Southend’s second-best restaurant. It is also rated as the best Turkish restaurant.

Cetin said: “We welcome everyone from babies to the elderly. People feel that attention when they come in. We want to go above and beyond, so knowing we’ve made someone’s night is a great feeling.”

“Everyone is talking about our portion sizes. Everything is homemade, from our hand cooked chips to our desserts  you’ll get nothing out of a packet. All our food is cooked to order.”

Echo: The lamb shank is Prowse' best-selling dish.The lamb shank is Prowse' best-selling dish. (Image: Prowse)

The Mediterranean menu has British elements too, with traditional foods like lamb shank, which is the restaurant’s most popular dish.

With regular live music from Southend artists such as “one-man band” James Fox, the restaurant hopes to offer something unique to diners.

So, what is the secret to Prowse’s early success?

Cetin said: “What makes it so popular is that its family run, friendly, with generous portion sizes and amazing food.

“Our chefs have many years of experience, and we cater for any food intolerance or preference and can cook off-menu dishes, too. We cater for vegetarians, vegans, gluten free and nut allergies.”

Echo: The frozen strawberry daiquiri is one of Prowse' specialty cocktails.The frozen strawberry daiquiri is one of Prowse' specialty cocktails. (Image: Prowse)

The restaurant is decorated with art created by Southend artists.

Prowse is open seven days a week from noon. It offers a discounted two-course lunch menu on weekdays from noon to 4pm, for £19.95.