I wandered wistfully along the Exmouth seafront last week with fond memories of those halcyon days when Aby Farmanieh, his delightful daughter, Leila, and their super staff ran their fantastic, family-friendly caf� at the Exmouth pavilion.

As I approached the site for the Harlequin Leisure Complex (‘bowling alley’), I was overjoyed to see a banner with amazing good news – Aby’s – coming soon, functions, bowling, restaurants, children’s play area, caf� bistro, shops and lots more.

I went to see Aby and Leila and they were able to confirm it is true. Leila is excited to be going back to the seafront and relishes the challenge of serving the community on a bigger scale.

Although Aby was heartbroken to leave The Pavilion after 14 years, he is looking forward to meeting the needs of customers old and new. He promises that there will be something for everyone in the new building; he is thrilled that everything will be under one roof. There will be high-quality service for people of all ages.

Many people have sorely missed Aby and his terrific team since they left The Pavilion. What a joy it is to know the new leisure complex is in their safe and capable hands. With Aby, Leila and staff returning to the seafront, just a stone’s throw away from The Pavilion, this is surely a story with a happy ending.

Roger Simmonds

Meadow Road, Budleigh Salterton.