Established hospitality and leisure group invests in its future
Harrison Leisure, a Bridlington-based hospitality and leisure group, has injected more than £1m into its operations.
It has enhanced The Old Floral Pavilion on the seafront, by installing a new kitchen, a refurbished roof and new equipment such as sound and lighting systems.
Harrison Leisure acquired the Edwardian grade II listed Old Floral Pavilion from East Riding of Yorkshire Council in 2021.
Michael Harrison
The group, which is now celebrating 40 years in business, has also completed other refurbishments at its seafood restaurant, Salt on the Harbour, and at The Brunswick Hotel.
Group owner, Michael Harrison, started the business over 40 years ago after moving to Bridlington.
He said: “Harrison Leisure has come a long way in the last 40 years and is now in a position where we can justify making an investment of over £1m into the group.
“This includes works at The Old Floral Pavilion with a recently installed state-of-the-art kitchen, an Edwardian-style wire polycarbonate and aluminium roof, newly equipped Jerome’s ice cream and donut kiosks, and a new stage, sound and light system – in addition to extensive refurbishments of Salt on the Harbour and The Brunswick Hotel.
“Our most recent investment is to the western elevation of The Old Floral Pavilion. This latest refurbishment will uplift the area and give the building a greater presence on the Esplanade, mimicking the eastern elevation on Royal Princes Parade.”
The group currently employs 100 year-round staff – full and part-time – plus additional seasonal employees.
Harrison added: “We really want to grow the business here in Bridlington as we can’t just let the negative impact of austerity, Covid, Brexit, inflation and energy price rises take over.
“That’s why we are investing, for a better future for us all, for our regular and new customers, for the people of Bridlington and East Yorkshire.”
He said the company is also looking to support local people by offering apprenticeships, along with further training for established employees.
