After 20 years, the operators of The Beach Cafe in Tāhunanui are moving on, and Nelson City Council has announced a new proprietor will be reopening the popular eatery next week.
The cafe has been closed since May 2024, with the operators running it since 2005.
The former operators posted to Facebook last Tuesday, saying “we have reached a position whereby after illness and then subsequent extreme difficulties placed before us by the City Council – we have reached a point where it is not feasible to reopen”.
“We have loved bringing you an authentic family experience for the last 20 years and hope you will fondly remember those great times we all shared at the Beach.”
The council responded the following day, stating that they had been working with the owner of the cafe for “some time” to try and find a solution to the continued closure of the cafe.
“An agreement has been reached for the current proprietor to transfer the remaining lease to a new lessee, who will operate the cafe until the lease ends in June 2026. Following which council’s intention is to undertake a competitive process for a new lease,” says acting group manager community services, Martin Croft.
The cafe is set to reopen on Monday, 21 July with Sarita Tiwari taking over the lease.
Nelson Mayor Nick Smith thanked the previous proprietor for “his many years of running the business and the great food and service provided to customers”.
“Council has been under pressure from the community to get it reopened... I have had many approaches from people wanting to lease this community owned premise.”
Nick says the council will be undertaking a Registration of Interest process in the coming months for the lease, from 1 July 2026 when the current lease expires.
“Our objectives will be to maximise the community amenity and enjoyment from the facility and to secure a fair rental for the ratepayer.”
The building was built by the council and the Nelson and Stoke Lions Clubs in the early 1970s as a canteen and changing shed.
