REDCAR’S famous Beacon, standing proud on the seafront since 2013, has hit a major milestone achieving 100% occupancy for the first time.
The 24 metre tower has been home to community radio station Zetland FM since 2015 with the Council offering the unique Beacon Sky Lounge with its stunning view of the beach as a wedding venue since 2017. Now boasting the popular Beacon Lounge bar and tapas restaurant, the pub has taken over the remaining room to use as its administrative base.
Award winning radio station
Julie Donaldson, award winning Zetland FM presenter said: “It’s nice that the Beacon is full now. We’ve got people coming and going. It feels more homely. It’s nice having neighbours.”
Beach view weddings
Barbara Webster, Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council Business Centre Officer, commented: “We’ve held four weddings so far and have our fifth on Saturday 22 December. People can now meet up in the bar and have a few drinks beforehand. It just adds to the atmosphere.”
A new, busy pub
Beacon Lounge bar staff team member Robyn Pittam said: “It’s absolutely manic. It‘s so busy but it’s so good. It’s always full, on the weekends especially.
“We do loads of nice cocktails, great food, we’ve started doing afternoon tea and Sunday dinner as well. It’s a really good place to work.”
Barbara Webster,
Robyn Pittam and Julie Donaldson
Councillor Carl Quartermain, Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Tourism and Communications, said: “The Beacon has become an iconic presence on the seafront and offers stunning views from the top platform.
“We always wanted it to be a thriving centre for business and the community so to be home to an award winning radio station, a wedding venue and a bar more than meets that ambition.
“I’m sure Zetland FM will continue their fantastic work and I wish the Beacon Lounge every success for the future. And of course, congratulations to those who have married in the Beacon since our first couple tied the knot there last summer.”
