Clara's Coffee Shop, West Cliff, July 2021

For a sympathetic restoration of the old theatre booking office

Photo courtesy of Fiona Clewlow

Clara's coffee shop is a sympathetic restoration of an outdated and under-used municipal building, the old Spa Pavilion Theatre Booking Office which is now refurbished and equipped to a high standard and neatly presented in a timeless seaside livery.

 The old Theatre Booking Office prior to conversion, August 2009

Photos courtesy of Chris Dickinson

Popular since its conversion with locals and tourists alike, following the outbreak of the pandemic it became a truly valuable asset to our town.  Through the publicity of word of mouth and tourist media reviews, as a destination it encourages people to walk to the Esplanade Crescent and make full use of the Gardens and Promenade, opening up that part of the town to those who had seldom used it.  This provides a gateway to beach walks - more essential exercise, whilst the business actively promotes social distancing on the premises.

 Owner Chris Dickinson receives his award from Dr John Field, Chair Whitby Civic Society

Members of Whitby Civic Society

Photos courtesy of Maureen Eves and Michael Kilpatrick