The Salt Cafe, a family-run establishment on the West Sussex coast, is set to open its doors throughout the winter for the first time in its 70-year history. The cafe, which began in 1957 selling ice cream and sausages, has been continuously operated by the Steel family and has adapted to shifting tourism patterns to remain a successful business.
Imogen Steel and her mother, Rachael, have taken the helm and are implementing changes to make the cafe a year-round destination. This includes adding a sheltered pergola with more seating and tables on the beach, alongside expanding the menu to include breakfast and lunch options, homemade soup, and 'beach bites.'
The cafe's offerings have evolved significantly from its early days as a simple wooden hut. The current menu features popular items such as fish and chips and burgers, with a focus on fresh ingredients and quality suppliers. Rachael Steel noted that the original planning documents suggest sausages were also served in the 1950s.
"We've got the covered area now, which my husband built, and we've got fairy lights," Rachael said. "We tried to make it a really nice, welcoming place that you would want to sit on a horrible day with your dog to have something to eat, or a coffee even."
East Preston, the cafe's location, has seen an increase in visitors, partly due to its proximity to London and a rise in holiday rentals. The Steels have observed customers returning multiple times during their stays, indicating a growing trend of people vacationing in the area. Some visitors have even been inspired to relocate to the coastal town.
Loyal customers and long-serving staff are a testament to the cafe's enduring appeal. The Steel family has no plans to sell the business, despite occasional inquiries, emphasizing their commitment to its future.
