Retail manager quits after 20 years and opens seafront business

A Retail Manager from Eastbourne whose job was to help business owners run successful stores has decided to buy his own - Massilia Bay Restaurant and Bar in Pevensey Bay.

Nathan Scammell felt that after 20 years working in retail he needed a change, but buying and then opening a restaurant in a popular seaside resort wasn't his original plan.

Now he is happily turning Massilia Bay on Sea Road into a venue that both locals and tourists want to visit.

Nathan said: "If you’d asked me a year ago where my career was heading, opening a restaurant probably wouldn’t have been on the list.

"I'm not one for small incremental changes,  but I have taken the plunge, and I am so glad that I have.

"It’s been a steep learning curve, a big shift from running someone else’s business to putting your own name, time and money on the line.

"There's been a mix of excitement and nerves but I am absolutely loving it, and I'm working with a great team."

Massilia Bay specialises in pizza and pasta, but the menu includes a variety of other options too as summer approaches, including Ploughman's, Cornish Pasties and sausage rolls.

Nathan said: "Pevensey Bay is a fantastic place and we have a lovely beach and holiday parks, so it gets very busy this time of year.

"In fact, it's busy all year round. Pevensey Bay is a great village and has so much to offer, I'm really looking forward to becoming an integral part of the local community."

He's particularly proud that he's using East Sussex suppliers whenever possible.

They include:

Holy Cow! Ice Cream Company based in Sutton Road, Seaford

Liquid Spirit Coffee Roasters situated in The Street, Polegate

Orange Blossom Bakeshop in George Street, Hailsham

and TEA23 tea company in The Enterprise Centre, Eastbourne.

Nathan said: "We offer a full dining experience, and I guess that fresh pizza is probably our speciality. We have special lunch menus and we offer an authentic experience in a very relaxed setting.

"We are open Wednesday to Sunday from noon until 9pm. Please come and try us out, you will love it."

Email nathan@massiliabay.co.uk

Call 01323 379 715.