FOND memories of one of Southend seafront’s longest-running businesses have been shared by its former owner as the takeaway goes up for sale again.
The Hideaway, on Marine Parade, is currently up for sale at £85,000 for a ten-year lease. Agent Dedman Gray says its position on Southend’s “golden mile” makes it “well-placed to take advantage of passing footfall”.
However, beachgoers and nightclubbers may remember it best as the former Doodahs takeaway, which ran for more than 30 years.
Doodahs opened in 1980 and offered hot dogs, doughnuts, burgers, and chips. It became a popular final stop for clubbers on Southend seafront in the eighties and nineties.
Roger Fisher ran Doodahs until 2016, when his lease ran out.
He recalled: “We had a great crowd come down. Being on the seafront was full of fun and games.
“We were there for a long while, but it’s surprising how quickly the years flew by.”
Roger, 73, says Southend seafront was much more active when its night clubs were still in business.
He said: “The night life was a big part of our business. It was a lot busier back then, in the eighties and nineties.
“Now, the disco and club scene is pretty sparse, compared to the number of clubs that were around. There’s only really a couple that are still functioning.
“If you wanted something to eat, the only places you could go to were on the seafront. Since then, you get fast food places open all hours all over the place."
Gerard Biagioni from estate agent Dedman Gray described the unassuming building as “like a Tardis”.
He said: “It looks like a little hole in the wall, but it just keeps going back. It’s a very sizeable shop.
“It’s right on the golden mile, by the amusement arcades.
“Given where it is, it’s ideal for the youngsters of Southend coming out for an evening of entertainment and night clubs.
“It’s exactly well-placed to take advantage of a lot of footfall.”
The owner of the building declined to comment.
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