Cockles in comfort!

From the archive, first published Tuesday 10th Apr 2007.

A COCKLE shed is celebrating the success of its new extension, which will soon enable people to eat at tables.

Kershaws Seafoods was already allowed to sell seafood from its takeaway counter at 1 Cockle Sheds, High Street, Old Leigh, but a few months ago was given permission to add tables.

Following a refurbishment, the counter has been demolished to make way for a single-storey extension for the cockle shed, now named Simply Seafood.

Kershaws celebrated the reopening with free champagne and samples for customers.

Andrew Rattley, general manager of Kershaws, said: "It's been absolutely amazing. We've been very busy. It's a lot more relaxing, with stunning views across the estuary.

"We are still 100 per cent a cockle industry, but this is a logical addition. Defra told us to diversify but to stay within the industry."

The seating area will be available from June.