Noisy Lobster holds 10-year anniversary party showcase

A MUDEFORD restaurant has celebrated its 10-year anniversary with a party showcasing local food and drinks companies as well as its own delicious seafood dishes.

The Noisy Lobster at Avon beach celebrated a decade in the business with live music, exceptional canapes and free flowing fizz and cocktails from Southbourne-based Conker Spirit, Poole’s Shanty Spirit and Castelnau Champagne. Purbeck Ice Cream provided the sweet fix from its cart of award-winning delights.

Tapas included octopus hot dogs with barbecue gochujang ketchup, lobster thermidor fondue, skate ray ribs with fish caramel, Bloody Mary oyster shots, raw oysters with pink champagne sorbet and caviar, and chorizo stuffing slider served with a pig in blanket.

The seafood venue is run by brothers Peter and Stephen Hayward, with their mother Jo. Their late father Peter Senior bought the business from the Derham family, who had been running it for decades.

The Haywards saw the opportunity to grow the business, initially with investment in the kitchens and creation of a fish and chip takeaway, and then an overhaul of the bar and restaurant with a first floor terrace. The most recent additions have been the deli, bakery and coffee cabin.

Thanking all those who attended the anniversary party, Peter said: “Tonight is a testament to the fantastic staff, loyal customers, and wonderfully supportive friends and family Steve and I have.

“Thinking back to when we got the keys to Avon Beach and how much it has changed is incredible. From making baguettes with dad in the portacabin and the chaotic tiny kitchen and washing up area, to having to remind our customers that we now offer table service and have indoor toilets!

“Through our father’s vision we have not been afraid to make changes.”

Peter also thanked the restaurant’s loyal customers, who he said were the “essential foundation” for any successful business.

Raising a toast to his father, Peter said that without him “none of this would have been possible”.

“It was his vision that saw the endless potential here at Avon Beach,” he said. “Dad taught us the need to constantly aim to evolve and improve. We hope we have done him proud and will continue to do so.”

The business also consists of the 120 beach huts that line Avon beach and have been renovated by the family. The Haywards are responsible for the quarter of a mile of beach from the beginning of the car park to the far end of the beach huts – this includes the cleanliness and maintenance of the promenade and beach.

For more information visit noisylobster.co.uk