Enjoy cuppa in spacious new cafe in Skegness' Tower Gardens

Cafe Dansant offers fresh savoury snacks, locally sourced teas and coffee, homemade cakes, and delicious Farmer Brown's ice-cream.

The official opening of the Tower Gardens Pavilion - which also includes a multi-purpose function room and events space, a small office for council staff and toilet facilities including state-of-the-art changing facilities for the disabled - has been delayed by the Covid-19 lockdown.

However, work to get the facility up and running has continued - and Toni Wainwright has been employed by the council to manage the cafe.

The transformation of the disused site began in May 2019 following the demolition of the existing Tower Gardens Pavilion, most recently occupied as the Inn on the Park public house - which closed in 2007. The original pavilion dates back to 1879, and historically provided the town’s largest dance, party and concert accommodation.

Throughout the building process the new £1.6million project has been supported by the community, who have been involved throughout the project.

This included the design and naming process, which was chosen by a local resident thanks to a competition organised by the council.

A 100-year time capsule containing modern-day items also lies at the site, provided by contractors G F Tomlinson and buried by local school children during the build.

The cafe's name, ‘Café Dansant’, dates back to the 1920s and has a known history in Skegness, having originally been a café on Tower Esplanade. It was chosen following a suggestion by a member of the public who presented an interest in its historic origins.

Tables inside the cafe have been spaced out for social distancing - and there is also seating outside as well as in the bandstand in the gardens.

Steve Larner, town clerk, is delighted to see the facility open. He said: "When I was first interviewed for the job the council had a reputation for not getting any major projects done.

"This changes that and the whole team have worked incredibly hard to make it happen.

"After the delay due to Covid-19 restrictions, we are now pleased to be able to open the cafe for light refreshments.

"The facilities also include a hall which is divided by screens and is for hire. Because of Covid-19 we are not currently hiring it out but we are hoping to offer it to different community groups from September.

"Looking out I see the gardens and bandstand and it will be a lovely place for people to sit and enjoy the band when all this is over."

Cafe manager Toni has returned to Skegness to be closer to family after a 12-year career running a cafe and cinema in York.

"I'm really excited to be here running the cafe," she said. "Our aim is to make everyone feel welcome and enjoy some homemade treats.

"We will also be working with community groups so they can enjoy the facilities and the cafe.

"It's been a challenge with the delays due to Covid-19, but we are pleased to finally be open."

The new facilities will be enjoyed by the local community and tourists alike – as part of the council’s ambition to transform Skegness into an inclusive environment and workplace, as well as a vibrant place to visit.

Chairman of the Lincolnshire Coastal BID Coun Sid Dennis and his wife Marie were among the first customers. Coun Dennis said: "What a beautiful asset for our town!

"It gives a sense of well-being with its state-of-the-art facilities to suit all.

"We will certainly go back again soon."

At the weekend Jim and Kath Duignan, of Skegness, gave it a try. Kath said: "Our neighbours came in the morning and had cream cakes and said they were delicious so we thought we'd give it a try.

"It's lovely in the park anyway but we were very impressed with how it is laid out and all the tables are spaced out. I think it will be very popular."