A new restaurant has opened on Worthing Pier, promising relaxed sharing plates, seasonal Sussex produce and panoramic sea views.

Ebb, located above Perch on the Pier in the Grade II-listed Southern Pavilion, is the latest venture from The Nest group. It marks a new chapter for the pier space, formerly occupied by fine dining restaurant Tern.

The opening also marks a new business partnership, with Perch’s chief operations officer Damian Wilkins becoming co-owner of Ebb, after more than a decade with the company

Perch owner Alex Coombes said the launch represents the 'next iteration' of dining on Worthing Pier following Tern’s move to a permanent home in Warwick Street.

Sitting above Perch on Worthing Pier, Ebb pair sa 'produce-driven menu' with a 'striking coastal backdrop', looking out across the Sussex shoreline. Pictured is an artist's impression of the proposed interiors

placeholder image — Sitting above Perch on Worthing Pier, Ebb pair sa 'produce-driven menu' with a 'striking coastal backdrop', looking out across the Sussex shoreline. Pictured is an artist's impression of the proposed interiors

“It’s really exciting,” he said. “We worked on the project with Johnny, and I’m thrilled those guys now have a permanent home in Warwick Street.

“Sophie and Johnny have done something wonderful developing fine dining in Worthing. Five years ago, people might not have thought that was compatible, so building that community has been remarkable.

“This is the next iteration of the space – championing a fantastic young chef and offering something different for the town.”

The kitchen is led by head chef Charlie Simmonds, who has previously worked at Wiston Estate and The Pass at South Lodge. His menu will focus on small sharing dishes using locally sourced produce, including fish and ingredients from Sussex farms, with dishes changing regularly to reflect seasonal availability.

At the front of house, general manager Ella Debaes leads a small team, focusing on a more personal dining experience.

Alex said Ebb has been designed to feel more accessible than its predecessor, focusing on small plates and a more relaxed style of dining.

“It’s much more accessible – small plates and sharing dishes,” he said.

“Lunch is from £25 for a selection of sharing plates, and in the evening you can spend more or less depending on what you want.

“It’s relaxed dining, more about wine and sharing rather than set menus. Still great seasonal produce, and a passion project from a very talented young chef.”

The 36-cover restaurant has been designed by Brighton-based studio Pattern House and has spent recent weeks operating preview services ahead of its official launch.

“We’ve been doing previews for a few weeks to iron out operational issues, but now it’s great to see it come together,” Alex added.

Head chef Charlie said his cooking is 'grounded in classical technique', but 'shaped by everything I’ve experienced'.

He added: “Ultimately, it’s about sourcing exceptional produce and letting it speak.

“We’re not trying to overcomplicate anything. It’s about cooking properly, using the best ingredients we can get, and doing it consistently well.”

General manager Ella began working for the business as a student before progressing through the company.

“I started as a Saturday girl while I was at uni, training to become a teacher,” she said. “Over time I just kept growing with the business, and I fell in love with the hospitality industry.

“It’s been a privilege to welcome and get to know so many guests through those doors, and now, to have the opportunity to open a destination dining spot like Ebb feels really special.”

Ebb opened initially with a soft launch period before fully launching on Thursday, May 21.

This comes after Worthing’s iconic pier was officially named one of the best in Britain, after a new national ranking placed it fifth overall among the country’s seaside piers.

The study, published by The Telegraph, compared 60 piers across the UK, awarding points based on performance in a range of categories.

Worthing Pier scored 407 points, making it the highest-ranked pier in West Sussex and one of only a handful to break into the national top 10.

Alex said restaurants like Ebb reflect growing confidence in Worthing’s hospitality sector despite ongoing economic pressures.

“People’s money is stretched more than it has been for a long time, but there are still people who value quality and experiences,” he said.

“That’s part of what we’re trying to do. It’s a 35-cover restaurant, relatively small, open for limited services each week, to maintain a high standard. We hope it will be warmly supported.”