New £2.4m Harry Ramsden’s restaurant to create 100 jobs

Fish-and-chip restaurant chain Harry Ramsden’s is set to establish a flagship eatery in the Blackpool Tower complex later this year, creating 100 new jobs and safeguarding 30.

The restaurant, which will be located in the space formerly occupied by the Tower Lounge bar, will be developed with £2m investment from the brand’s operator and £400k from Blackpool Council.

Harry Ramsden’s CEO Joe Teixeira said: “With the town continuing to attract record numbers of visitors, we believe the time is right to further invest in Blackpool.

“We are delighted that, as a result of this decision, not only are jobs being secured but new jobs are being created.”

Joe added: “We are especially pleased that so many of the people currently working on the project are locally based, this in itself gives an immediate boost to the Blackpool economy.”

The Blackpool site will serve as the brand’s flagship restaurant in the North.

Kate Shane, the head of the Merlin Blackpool Cluster, which manages the iconic waterfront attraction, called the opening “a hugely exciting event” for both the tower and the wider Blackpool resort.

She continued: “The new restaurant and eateries perfectly complement the Tower attractions, will enhance the customers’ experience significantly and of course completes the ground floor refurbishment of this very special building.

“This development represents yet another feature cementing Blackpool as the UK’s number one family destination.”

Blackpool Council’s cabinet member for business and economic development, Cllr Mark Smith, said the announcement is an “important development” for Blackpool that demonstrates the town’s drive to create a vibrant economy.

He added: “This is a clear message to potential developers – Blackpool is the town to invest in.”