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Papa's Fish and Chips plans to open restaurant next to Ramsgate Wetherspoon

A fish and chip restaurant featuring a roof terrace will open next to the UK's largest Wetherspoon if new plans are approved.

Papa's Hospitality Group wants to revive part of the Royal Victoria Pavilion in Ramsgate into a "vibrant" eatery - which would include takeaways.

The proposed Papa's site forms part of the Royal Victoria Pavilion, home to the UK's largest Wetherspoon. Picture: Google
The proposed Papa's site forms part of the Royal Victoria Pavilion, home to the UK's largest Wetherspoon. Picture: Google

A planning application has been submitted to Thanet District Council to transform a section of the Grade II-listed building.

Papa's is a well-known fish and chips chain in the north of England and is seeking to expand to the south of the country.

The application concerns the use of the ground floor and the roof as a terrace, which is similar to the adjacent Wetherspoon and would continue the tradition of a roof terrace for the building.

"Papa's Hospitality Group’s proposal is to revive the current open interior shell into a vibrant fish and chips restaurant with an ancillary takeaway provision," it states.

"The intention is to complete the external treatment initiated by the Wetherspoon team in replacement of external doors and windows to match those in place in the building.

Papa's wants to open next to Wetherspoon. Picture: Morgan Lloyd Jones
Papa's wants to open next to Wetherspoon. Picture: Morgan Lloyd Jones
Wetherspoon has been at the site since 2018
Wetherspoon has been at the site since 2018

"There are three different levels within this part of the building. Both stepped and ramped approaches will be utilised to provide safe and easy movement.

"The building has had a long history with its terrace used by the general public for viewing the sea, dining and general recreation.

"Part of this development plan is to create a new access onto the roof area to fully utilise the terrace space."

The site is part of the firm's national programme to deliver new units - a number of which are now open and trading successfully.

Three planning applications have been submitted, including one for the new restaurant and takeaway, one for listed building consent and another for the signage.

Plans have been submitted to Thanet District Council. Picture: Morgan Lloyd Jones
Plans have been submitted to Thanet District Council. Picture: Morgan Lloyd Jones

Bosses say the part of the building has had varied uses and was last set out as an empty shell for separate retail use.

"The facade of the property will remain unchanged except for the installation of new windows and doors to complete the building," the application added.

"The main objective of the project is the design and delivery of an appropriate means to accommodate the additional activities and functions relating to a new restaurant and takeaway function as proposed by Papa's Hospitality Group."

Documents say The Royal Pavilion was built in 1903 in the "French revival classical style".

Inside Wetherspoon in the Royal Victoria Pavilion in Ramsgate
Inside Wetherspoon in the Royal Victoria Pavilion in Ramsgate

It is described as an impressive example of an Edwardian seaside pavilion providing a theatre and cafe facilities, which was later converted into a casino.

A large part of the building was converted into the UK's largest Wetherspoon in 2018, and is also one of the country's biggest pubs.

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