October 4, 2021

Clacton Pier’s popular Christmas Experience is to get a culinary revamp with guidance from a renowned chef.

Breakfast with Santa is being replaced with afternoon tea with Santa as part of an enhanced package.

It will be available every Monday to Friday after school from 3pm from November 29 through to December 23.

The whole Christmas event is set to follow on from last year’s success with the new purpose-built Santa’s Grotto and the North Pole Experience at the centre of the attractions.

It will include the reindeer stables, Frosty the Snowman, and other animatronic characters along with a host of festive decorations.

Pier director Billy Ball said that every year the aim is to improve the experience for families and help make special memories.

“There is no point in standing still in this business and if we want to attract more people then we have to continue to up the offer,” he said.

“Afternoon tea with Santa will be available on more dates than breakfast with Santa and we believe it will go down well.

“As well as a delicious menu it will include a Prosecco or hot drink for the adults; an entry to Discovery Bay Play Area for the children; a visit to Santa’s Adventure Grotto with a photo and quality cuddly toy and a mulled wine or hot chocolate afterwards.”

There will also be an appearance from Mrs Claus and a festively-dressed Sydney the Seagull.

“We have had a locally-renowned chef offering guidance to help us put together the afternoon tea menu – something totally new for Christmas,” added Mr Ball. “It has already been tested out with the help of our management team and has gone down very well.”

The cost for the afternoon tea package – which will be high end and made by Mrs Claus - will be £14.99.

There will also be a Christmas Cracker deal this year for £19.99 which will consist of unlimited rides, a Go-Karts ride, a round of adventure golf, a visit to the seaquarium, five video games, a festive activity, and a candy cane.

This will be available on weekends and in school holidays from November 27 to January 3 inclusive.

Children – or adults – will also be able to write a letter to Santa and post it on site to ensure that it gets through in time.

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