ONE OF the most hotly anticipated venues to open its doors in 2020 is celebrating a bumper opening weekend, with thousands of customers having flocked there since Friday.

STACK Seaburn has reported a successful start, despite having to limit numbers due to social distancing measures. 

The seaside venue, built from shipping containers that are assembled to make an enclosed village that can operate in all weather conditions, said it enjoyed a ‘constant flow’ of customers across opening week, with guests enjoying a range of street food and a programme of live music.

Danieli Holdings, the business behind the venue, said it had been delighted with the turnout over the last week and that there was a ‘feel-good atmosphere’, with people enjoying themselves in a safe and responsible way.

Neill Winch, CEO of Danieli, said: “It’s a challenging time for everyone, and it is so important that we create an environment in which people can safely meet with their friends.  I think the success of the last week has been the feel-good atmosphere we have been able to achieve, while still ensuring that people are keeping a social distance, and staying safe. 

“We have a brilliant open-air feel at STACK, so though the majority of the venue is covered with stretched tents to provide some protection from the elements, it feels very much like an outdoor venue.  We have done a huge amount of work to ensure it is a safe place to visit, and I think that has ensured we have got off to such a good start.  People can see that we are doing all we can to keep them safe, while still delivering a really enjoyable experience.”

The venue has put in place a range of measures to ensure visitors are kept safe, including a QR Track and Trace system in place at the door on arrival, limited table numbers in line with Government guidelines, hand sanitisers throughout the venue, and a fogging machine that is used every morning to spray the venue, leaving a heavy disinfectant coat on all surfaces.  COVID Marshalls are also providing guidance for customers and ensuring everyone is adhering to social distancing measures.  Table service is in place to limit movement around the site and visitors are also asked to wear a face mask when they move round the venue to get food and visit the toilets.  All staff have had COVID-19 Safe training and wash their hands every 20 minutes as part of enhanced cleaning measures in place to stop the spread of the virus. 

Jessica Everest, from The Little Cakery by the sea, said their first few days of trading had exceeded their expectations. 

“We had an amazing weekend and we are overwhelmed by the support and feedback from customers who’ve dropped by. We are thoroughly looking forward to our future here at STACK.”

The venue has also enjoyed a raft of positive comments on social media.

Julie Marshall posted: “I was there Sunday afternoon, loved it, loads of very helpful staff and great music”.

Kevin Davis said: “Absolutely fantastic, popped in with the Mrs, daughter and dog for a quick tea. Wish I could have stayed. Brilliant place, looking forward to visiting regularly. Thanks for looking after us and the food was fantastic, best tacos going!”

Kathleen Carr commented: “Fab place in general. Woofs n Scuffs for your fur babies is the best. Choice of food’s superb, terrific atmosphere. Best addition to the seafront in years.”

STACK is home to a range of traders, with food and drink providers and lifestyle businesses all having taken space. The array of operators means that STACK offers a varied range of street food to enjoy, from traditional fish and chips, to Greek and Italian dishes.