Cafe at Harwich Harbour to open under new management

The cafe at Ha’penny Pier in Harwich has been purchased by Milsom Hotels and Restaurant following a discussion with Christian Zeeman of the Harwich Harbour Ferry, who operated it since 2021. 

The hotel chain and Mr Zeeman have collaborated closely for many years with the ferry transport and seal trips. 

Paul Milsom of Milsom Hotels was approached and asked if he was interested in taking over the business and a new lease with the Harwich Haven Authority. 

A deal has been signed this week and the cafe will open under the new name “Deck 1853” as the wooden pier was constructed in 1853 and served as a popular departure point for paddle steamers until World War I. 

Chefs at The Pier restaurant and Milsom Hotels are designing a brand-new menu for visitors, locals, walkers and sailing enthusiasts, including homemade pizza, breakfast sandwiches and paninis. 

The cafe will also serve tea, coffee, ice cream and gelato, as well as the popular and traditional soft-serve ice cream in a cone. 

Guests will also have the chance to order pre-booked packed lunches to collect prior to boarding the ferry or exploring Harwich. 

Management has confirmed that plans are underway to offer private two-hour ‘pizza parties’ with exclusive use of the venue for special occasions available for booking. 

Deck 1853 will be overseen by the management team at The Pier, located just a few yards away on the Quayside and Geraldine Milsom will lead the refurbishment and oversee the new look. 

Paul Milsom said: “We are delighted to acquire the café, it is located in a wonderful spot on The Pier and it further builds upon our very long and fond association with Historic Harwich.

“It is an exciting time for us as a business and we are looking forward to enhancing the facilities for local people and visitors to the area.” 

An opening date for the refurbished cafe will be announced once work is underway.