Michael Caines on East Devon and beyond.

Exmouth Journal: Michael Caines stood outside Lympstone ManorMichael Caines stood outside Lympstone Manor (Image: ©2018 Matt Round Photography)

Wow! If there is one thing I have learned during this past week it’s that Exmouth folk and visitors to the town love coffee, pastries and ice cream.

My newly-opened Café Patisserie Glacerie has been doing a roaring trade and for that I am truly grateful.

People have been incredibly supportive and the feedback has been better than I could have hoped for.

That gives me great confidence that when we open Mickeys Beach Bar & Restaurant on May 17 it will be all systems go!

After the 12 months we have all just endured, it really does warm the soul to think that life is returning to some sort of normal.

Last week saw our alcohol licensing application go before East Devon District Council and although we didn’t get exactly what we were looking for, I appreciate and thank members for giving us their seal of approval.

The support we have received right through from the planning stage means that dozens of local jobs will be created for many years to come and the local economy will receive a much-needed boost.

There was more positive news for us in the past few days with work beginning on our outdoor pool at Lympstone Manor including a changing and hospitality area on a plot around 110 metres away from the main hotel.

We were keen to carry out the groundworks before the hotel is able to reopen (also on May 17) to minimise any potential disruption.

The team are raring to go but we are also bracing ourselves for a manic summer.

The Great British staycation is going to be massive this year if our bookings are anything to go by and from what I hear from others in the industry.

It’s been great to reconnect with all of our suppliers ahead of next month and starting to get the wheels in motion.

I know we are far from home and dry but this time feels different and I am hoping and praying that a long summer becomes a busy autumn and Christmas without any further lockdowns.

My team and I would love to welcome you to Lympstone Manor, Mickeys or Café Patisserie Glacerie over the next few months.

By goodness we’ve earned our freedom!