EASTBOURNE Borough Council has chosen Bistrot Pierre to operate its new seafront Wish Tower restaurant after Rick Stein pulled out last year citing the effects of Brexit.

The council was confident of landing Stein but he pulled out as the contract was about to be signed.

Funding for the restaurant site has come from the so-called Pier Fund after Eastbourne Pier suffered a huge blaze in 2014.

The then PM David Cameron came to Eastbourne and pledged £2 million to help the town’s economy.

Sixty per cent of that £2 million is being spent on the building of this restaurant.

The council says Bistrot Pierre will offer Anglo-French dishes prepared every day using ingredients from local suppliers and artisan French producers.

Open seven days-a-week serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, the menu in Eastbourne will include classic bistrot favourites such as steaks-frites, boeuf bourguignon, moules marinière and crème brûlée, along with dishes using fresh fish sourced from local fishermen.

Councillor David Tutt, leader of Eastbourne Borough Council, said: “It is great news that Bistrot Pierre will bring their Parisien dining experience to Eastbourne.

“The iconic Wish Tower location for Bistrot Pierre will rival any other seaside restaurant in the UK for superb food and stunning panoramic views of the coastline.

“I am also delighted that following a special request by the council, the team at Bistrot Pierre has created a fish menu in recognition of our home by the sea.”

Award-winning architects Levitt Bernstein have already provided initial designs for the stylish restaurant that will now be further refined in close liaison with Bistrot Pierre.

Levitt Bernstein is also leading on the landmark £44 million redevelopment of Devonshire Park.

Rob Beacham, co-owner for Bistrot Pierre, who set up the group with school friend John Whitehead, said: “We’ve had our sights set on Eastbourne for some time now so we’re delighted to have been selected by Eastbourne Borough Council to open a bistrot in such an iconic site.

“We take regular trips to France to inspire our seasonally-updated menus with authentic ingredients carefully prepared by our talented chefs.

“Each bistrot is slightly different and the group prides itself on creating a unique dining experience for customers at every location.

“This will be the first site we have opened in the South East.”