Jamie and Jimmy's Friday Night Feast cafe will finally be open to the public

The cafe at the end of the Pier is famous for hosting Jamie and Jimmy’s Friday Night Feast, bringing a host of celebrities to Southend for cooking classes.

Encouraged - James Courtenay inside the café

Southend Council has often come under criticism for leasing the site to the pair, but not ensuring it remains open to the public.

But now, the council have come to an agreement to run the cafe throughout the year when it is not being used for filming.

Southend councillor for growth, James Courtenay, admitted this is another great attraction for the people of Southend, and an attraction for tourists.

He said: “Lots of people know and watch Friday Night Feast and people will look at this as something that is worth coming to see.

“People will want to come and have their picture taken under the sign - just like I did.

“While it looks like a cafe, it is more like a film studio inside.

“But it will be a great place to come and sit, have afternoon tea, and will add really well to what we have on offer. “

And the news comes alongside a host of work at the Pier.

Mr Courtenay revealed that work is being completed on new shelters and new toilets at the end of the pier.

While work is being conducted to create a new pavilion at the entrance to the Pier.

He stated it is undecided what will be in the pavilion, but the public are likely to be consulted.

Every year Jamie Oliver and Jimmy Doherty open up the cafe at the end of the pier to film - bringing a host of stars and TV personalities to Southend’s shores.

Jamie and co-host Jimmy Doherty have been a regular presence at their own cafe at the end of the pier, hosting five series of the show over the past four years.

For each episode, a celebrity guest joins Jamie and Jimmy at the cafe to prepare a recipe of their choosing. Previous celebrities included Olympic sprint champion Usain Bolt, Hollywood actor Orlando Bloom and singer Ellie Goulding.