Newhaven lobster takeaway business sees ‘overwhelming’ response on first day

David Foskett had been planning to ‘subtly’ introduce The Lobster Shack to West Beach, but after a post on Facebook went somewhat viral he said they were ‘swamped’ with customers.

“It’s been very overwhelming I must say,” he said.

“I didn’t think it would go as well as it did yesterday.

“It’s been very popular.”

Launching the venture has been something he had wanted to do for a long time,” he said.

“I love lobster myself and I thought why not bring something to the area that people can enjoy.”

Rather than go to a fancy restaurant, people can enjoy lobster and chips in an informal setting right on the seafront.

“It’s quirky and it works,” he said.

David had originally hoped to launch in Seaford but came across several barriers when it came to using electricity and generators at the site.

So when the opportunity appeared to set up at the West Beach car park, he said: “I jumped.”

A popular spot for fisherman, he said people often came down there to take in the views, watch the ferry go out and see the cliffs.

And David hopes the business will attract even more residents.

On the first day alone, he said: “People were coming from Lewes and Brighton who have never ventured down to West Beach in Newhaven. It brought them here.”

The Lobster Shack has a ‘simple’ menu – people can choose from a whole or half lobster with chips with a garlic butter sauce, home made goujons using fish such as sole, soft shell crab and – for anyone who does not like seafood – frankfurters.

Customers can also get hot or cold drinks, with a professional coffee machine set to be installed this week.

David said the lobster was sourced locally whenever possible – though with native lobster being seasonal, Canadian lobster is also offered.

The Lobster Shack will be open from Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm.