Hospitality entrepreneurs looking for a standout coastal business opportunity are being invited to apply for the lease of The Sea Shanty at Branscombe Mouth, one of East Devon’s most picturesque and well-loved beachside venues.
Nestled at the foot of the stunning Branscombe valley, where the coast path between Sidmouth and Beer hugs the Jurassic Coast, The Sea Shanty enjoys an enviable location visited by thousands of locals, walkers, and holidaymakers year-round. With uninterrupted views across Lyme Bay and a rich local heritage, the venue is a well-established part of Devon’s tourism landscape.
Now, commercial property agents Vickery Holman are seeking experienced and ambitious operators to take on the business via a new 3–5 year tenancy. The site includes a licensed café with 60 indoor covers, extensive outdoor seating, and a busy beach shop and takeaway, all set within a series of attractive thatched buildings steeped in local history.
Originally used as a coal yard for shipments from South Wales, records of a tea-room on the site date back to 1939. The café has been owned by the same local family since 1951 and directly operated by them since 2020.
Michael Easton, Head of Hotels and Hospitality at Vickery Holman, is leading the tenant search. “The Sea Shanty is a rare opportunity; a thriving, profitable business in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with a strong local following and year-round tourist appeal,” he said. “Our clients are proud of the legacy they’ve built and are now seeking experienced hands to build on its success. We’re inviting proposals from hospitality professionals who can demonstrate the vision and capability to take this iconic venue forward.”
With East Devon continuing to attract strong domestic tourism, and the Jurassic Coast recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this opportunity offers a unique chance to combine lifestyle, location, and a proven business model.
Interested parties are encouraged to submit proposals by 16th September 2025. Details of the tenancy and application process are available via Vickery Holman at www.vickeryholman.com/news/sea-shanty-cafe-branscombe-to-let.
