A toast to 25 years for Nailsea restaurateurs

FORGET the bacon butties because it was Champagne and strawberries for breakfast at the silver anniversary celebrations at Café Savva in Nailsea this week.

Pictured from left are owners Melinda and John Savva with restaurant chef Denise Walsh, the cake and the customers.

John and Mel who are celebrating 25 successful years opened for business in the shopping precinct four months after getting married back in June, 1984.

Chef Denise baked the white and pink iced sponge cake decorated in handmade sugar flowers and served scones topped with strawberries and cream for the mid-morning party.

Earlier this year the restaurant won the most customer-focused and friendly town centre restaurant accolade in a Nailsea Chamber of Trade & Commerce summer poll called Smiles.

Tuesday was John’s first official day back at work after a serious back operation this summer at Southmead hospital.

He recalled a rollercoaster of experiences during the past two and a half decades.

John said: “We have had some good experiences and some not so good ones.

“We have been through three serious economic downturns but this recession is probably the hardest.

“The fact we always seem to get through means we must be doing something right.

“We have loyal staff and loyal customers who have helped us through the bad times.”

The café which looks out onto Somerset Square is a popular meeting place with all ages and it has had more than a lick of paint during John and Mel’s tenure.

John said: “Originally the restaurant was called The Golden Spur and it had an art deco, American diner-style.

“Then we had a refit and changed the colour scheme to bright yellows and greens with more individual seating and now it has a Nailsea blue theme after the famous glass.

"We like to think we give good food and value for money all in a clean, happy environment."

In the early 1990s following a spate of town centre vandalism John hit the headlines for keeping an all night vigil in his premises.

As well as running the café the couple has found time to bring up their three children.

Only Backwell School A-level student Polly is still living at home with management graduate Alex and professional dancer Elena busy pursuing their careers.

John added: “I would like to thank everyone who has supported us over the years especially my wife.

“Many of our customers first came as small children and now are coming in with their young families.

"I am looking forward to the next 25 years.”