Bright future
The nine-bedroom facility is owned by Roberto Anelli, who is very wellknown in Southport for his time working at Casa Italia on Lord Street before going on to run the popular Mario & Roberto’s Spaghetti House restaurant on the site of the current hotel back in the 1990s and 2000s.
Roberto then decided to take the plunge, carrying out a dramatic transformation of the building to create the stunning new Anelli Hotel & Amici Bar.
The new venture is finally open and being run by the Anelli family; Roberto, wife Karen, and children Adriana and Fabrizio. It follows frustrating delays caused by the Covid pandemic and the subsequent lockdowns.
Adriana Anelli said: “We have finally opened our doors to all of our wonderful customers! It has been a long road with many setbacks in what are still unprecedented times.”
Techedia
THE scaffolding is now up as building work takes place at the new Techedia HQ in Southport town centre.
The firm is carrying out a £1m transformation of the historic Cloisters building, formerly Christ Church School, on Corporation Street.
Tech entrepreneur Matthew Townson has revealed his vision for the new hub, creating 75 new jobs in our town.
The building, most recently occupied by Taskers Sports, will be divided into two units – one for a new health and wellbeing centre, and the other to house Mr Townson’s Techedia firm.
Techedia, which specialises in IT in the professional services sector, moved out of its Crosby base in March.
The company has experienced year- on-year growth since its formation in 2013.
Mr Townson, who hails from Southport, hopes to more than double the size of Techedia and create around 75 jobs recruiting from the town’s schools and colleges which he once attended.
The Royal Clifton Hotel
BRITANNIA Hotels bought the historic Royal Clifton Hotel on The Promenade earlier this year.
Britannia already operates other premises in Southport, including: The Prince of Wales on Lord Street; The Scarisbrick Hotel on Lord Street; and Pontins holiday park in Ainsdale, as well as The Adelphi Hotel in Liverpool
From far left, a giant wheel similar to the one proposed; the Fox & Goose, which has reopened; Beales on Lord Street – also set to open its doors again; staff at Grill Hunters restaurant; and Matthew Townson of Techedia who is now redeveloping The Cloisters building
city centre.
The Royal Clifton Hotel, formerly operated by Best Western, is situated on the Promenade.
The 120-bedroom was put up for sale in June 2020 for £6m, in a sale handled by Christie & Co. It is not yet known how much the hotel was finally sold for.
Built by architect Thomas Withnell in the 1850s, the Royal Clifton Hotel is a landmark grade II Listed building.
Enterprise Arcade
ONE of the Southport Town Deal projects selected to be developed is creating an Enterprise Arcade in Southport town centre.
This space, in former Sefton Council offices, will provide much-needed co-working and business incubator space in the Crown Buildings, above Cambridge Arcade.
The Fox & Goose
ONE of Southport’s most iconic venues, The Fox & Goose on Cable Street has now reopened!
Local people were dismayed when the venue – famous for its live music – closed its doors two years ago.
It was soon followed by the news that the building was due to be
turned into apartments.
But now Southport businessman Hasan Akdeniz has taken over the venture, carrying out an extensive refurbishment which includes a covered moveable garden area.
Xander’s Fish Bar
A BRAND new chippy opened in Southport town centre in November.
Xander’s Fish Bar has opened on Eastbank Street, where Harper’s used to be, following an extensive refurbishment.
The business was open throughout lockdown with customers able to place orders for collection, or book a home delivery through the Xander’s Fish Bar website.
They said: “At Xander’s, we are committed to providing our customers with the very best traditional fish and chips.
“We only serve the traditional British chip specifically selected for its taste and texture that we peel and cut ourselves.
“We endeavour to purchase the freshest fish from ethical and sustainable sources without compromising the high standards our loyal regulars come to expect.
“We believe in keeping it simple
and staying true to the roots of the Chippy; just great fresh food, and friendly service.”
Kose
A FIDGET sensory toy shop has opened in Southport town centre.
Kose Sensory Play has opened as a section within Kelly’s Electrical on Wesley Street, which has been a favourite among generations of shoppers for over 50 years.
The two ventures are combining, to give people ‘two shops in one’.
They are being run by husband and wife John and Kim Kelly.
Kim Kelly explained: “For a long time we have wanted to provide children with additional needs a ‘try before you buy’ sensory shop as we know too well how difficult it is to provide children with calming sensory items which are affordable and durable.”
Enelle’s
THIS new shop has opened on the site of the former Mike’s News on Nevill Street in Southport, next to the side entrance of Wetherspoons.
Enelle’s is owned by the same owners of Enelle’s Glasshouse on Bank Passage, just off Lord Street.