A New Beginning
JJ and Paulina, the new owners of the Marina Fountain, talk to ROD WEBB about its future
The Marina Fountain on West St Leonards seafront has had a great five years: I have to admit that I was concerned for its future: like many others, I have fond memories of eating, drinking and listening to music there. However, on meeting JJ and Paulina, it quickly became clear that they not only had the experience to run a successful pub but were also determined to centre it round the local community.
JJ has been running pubs for 18 years, but the excitement of running big London pubs and managing a large staff has worn off – “spreadsheet operations” as he calls them. Newly married, he and Paulina are “looking to set down roots in the town”. Paulina joined us and explained how she’d visited Hastings for a long weekend and “loved it”: the people, the sea, the atmosphere. JJ agreed, saying that they had come here for “the quality of life”.
He believes that the landlords should have a clear presence in the pub, either one of them being available at all times. “You need to live and breathe it,” he says. That’s not to dominate the atmosphere but to encourage everyone to feel at ease. He also believes in “exceptional service”, which he puts down to his Irish side (just 25%). This involves noticing things and being in tune with customers – especially noticing when they might fancy another drink!
Talking of drinks, they will continue with the current range but plans are afoot to increase real ale taps to three later in the year.
The first decision was to increase opening to seven days a week. As befits a community pub, things will emerge organically around the needs of the customers. But there are plans for a weekly pub quiz on Thursday, once a month the proceeds going to charity.
We were interrupted by the arrival of the chef and moved on to talking about food. Audrey, who is French, came to work with JJ from London and has already created an affordable menu with vegan tacos (completely allergen-free) and a sumptuous sausage and mash. Although the kitchen is small, everything is prepared on site with locally-sourced ingredients – from Appleyard’s Butchers and Sussex Fruits, conveniently located just down the road, among others. Also, sourdough pizzas – the pizza oven now installed – bar snacks, and even retro offerings such as scampi in a basket (with real scampi, of course)..
And like so many establishments in the town, The Marina Fountain remains firmly dog friendly. In fact, Jarvis the cocker spaniel will be there to welcome them and keep order. And to make that clear to any visitor, Jarvis takes centre stage on the new pub sign.
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