Latest news with #Pier39
The Guardian
6 days ago
- The Guardian
Crest of a new wave: Cleethorpes is all set for a seaside revival
Cleethorpes Pier, circled by the local gull squad, looks at its picture-postcard best. Ahead of the lunch crowd making for Papa's Fish & Chips restaurant, I'm taking a seat in the pier's ballroom to hear seaside historian Kathryn Ferry talk about her latest book, Twentieth Century Seaside Architecture. Ordering a pot of tea, I'm taken back to my student days. Back in the late 1990s, the ballroom hosted Pier 39, a sticky-floored nightclub where getting your heels wedged in the planks after too many vodkas was considered par for the course. Following a shift waitressing at a nearby fish restaurant, our girl gang would douse our hair in Charlie Red body spray to mask the fug of haddock before dancing the night away where the Humber estuary meets the North Sea. The pier first opened on August bank holiday 1873 to a flock of locals and day-trippers, many of whom were taking some of the first train and ferry-service packages across the Humber from South Yorkshire and the Midlands. It's not hard to imagine the giddy thrill of glimpsing this elegant pavilion structure for the very first time: it stretched 365 metres into the sea. Ferry cites the pier as one of a trove of local architectural treasures: postwar buildings with funky rooflines, illuminations, shops fronted with Victorian cast-iron verandas … 'enough surviving seaside things', she tells the crowd, 'to ensure Cleethorpes retains its very distinctive feel'. I grew up in Grimsby, just a couple of miles up the road. Cleethorpes had long felt like a sandy wonderland, filled with bright lights and sugar highs. During the pandemic, after 20 years living away, I came back to Cleethorpes from London and I now feel lucky to be raising a family in the sandy footsteps of my childhood. Summer feels magical – we are tourists at home. My nine-year-old and toddler both love splashing about in the free, open-air paddling pool, riding the dinky Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway and cycling along Buck Beck – a long, calming coastal path where ice-cream at the family-run Brew Stop cafe is a rite of passage. In summer, you can rent the owners' little beach hut and watch the world go by from your stripy deckchair. During my university and London years – roughly 2000 to 2020 – the resort's cultural identity began to shift with the closure of iconic venues such as, in 2007, the Winter Gardens. An entertainment venue dating back to the 1930s, its stage was once graced by acts including Elton John, the Clash and Roxy Music, not to mention playing host to the feted 'Bags Ball' weekly dance night. Also closed, after a 23-year run as one of the area's leading theme parks, was Pleasure Island and its beloved Boomerang ride, which ceased functioning in 2016. And some of the area's big-draw events – including the Radio 1 Roadshow, which made its last stop here in 1999 fronted by S Club 7 – were scratched from the listings. In the words of one local: 'It felt like the fun police had come to town.' Now, building on events such as the Summer Steam festival and the Great Grub Fest, there's a definite sense of cultural renaissance brewing. Cleethorpes seafront is in the process of a long-awaited £18.4m regeneration project that will focus on a reimagining of the Pier Gardens and the reintroduction of the old market place. With a potential direct train link from Cleethorpes to London in the offing, the resort is extending its bucket-and-spade appeal to a new generation. On 2 August – with the stage still warm from sets by the Charlatans and Ash as part of DocksFest – Cleethorpes' Meridian showground is set to transform into an open-air celebration of cool and contemporary sounds covering jazz, funk and soul, as the area's newest festival, Everybody Loves the Sunshine, lays down 10 hours of live music for just £10 a ticket. Together with Brighton-based record label Tru Thoughts, the festival is curated by the Culture House, a local charity that has been instrumental in plugging the cultural gap across North East Lincolnshire, an area that can often feel on the fringes of the national arts and culture scene. Beyond the music, nature abounds. At Marine Embankment beach, bird lovers can spy curlews, lapwings and oystercatchers nesting in the saltmarshes (check tide times), while the sandy dunes around the Humber Mouth Yacht Club (about an hour's walk from the Pier) are the perfect spot for big-sky sundowners and picnics. Steel & Soul runs a blissful drop-in morning yoga class on the beach here every other Sunday until the end of September (£10 a class). A must-visit at this end of the town is the Humberston Fitties, an otherworldly village of about 300 beach chalets that sprang up beside the sand dunes after the first world war. Many of these small dwellings, including artist Sarah Palmer's home (£80 a night for a two-night minimum stay, sleeps up to four), are available to rent and make a cosy weekend base. For a stylish home-from-home in the heart of Cleethorpes, check into Cloves B&B (from £95), tucked off the main promenade. Hosts Nick and Maria Ross serve up beautiful home-cooked breakfasts, and if you land on a Friday you can build a picnic hamper from their pop-up larder, which sells freshly baked sourdough and pastries, as well as fruit, veg, cheese, butter and juices, many of which are organic and locally produced. From Saturday to Tuesday, the Edwardian breakfast room then transforms into Cafe Cloves, an intimate dining spot serving a menu of five seasonal dishes. On our last visit, we shared tandoori king prawn skewers with a chopped spinach and red onion salad, cucumber raita and charred lime along with the signature Cloves fishcake – which I could happily eat every day. Another great spot for lunch is Nasturtium, where head chef Jack Phillips riffs on classics such as catch of the day with a smoked butter sauce, Japanese kosho and a tempura enoki (fried floured mushrooms). Phillips also channels his passion for Asian cooking through his popular pop-up food stall Wakame Cleethorpes. Follow up lunch with a mooch down Sea View Street for boutique threads and heavenly plants and flowers, ending with a slice of lemon meringue pie at Marples. As for fish and chips – you're spoilt for choice. An old-fashioned booth at Steel's Cornerhouse Restaurant for haddock, chips and a pot of tea with bread and butter always feels special. Or, if the weather's fine, nothing beats walking along the beach with a Papa's takeaway, eating a tray of chips drenched in vinegar, with the sand between your toes. 'Cleethorpes feels like a sleeper, on the cusp of being awakened,' says Kathryn Ferry. Something tells me this resort is about to have its time in the sun again.
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Travel + Leisure
21-07-2025
- Travel + Leisure
This City Was Just Named California's Most Expensive Tourist Destination—but Here's How to Visit on a Budget
San Francisco has long enchanted visitors with its historic cable cars, fog-draped Golden Gate Bridge, and pastel-painted Victorian homes—but now it holds a new, less flattering distinction: the most expensive tourist destination in California. According to a recent GOBankingRates study, the City by the Bay is the most expensive tourist destination in California, surpassing cities like Laguna Beach and Malibu. San Francisco had an overall cost of living index of 245.5, which is more than double the national average baseline of 100 and accounts for the cost of things like groceries, healthcare, housing, utilities, and transportation. But while San Francisco's soaring prices might send budget-conscious travelers into sticker shock, there are plenty of ways to soak up the city's charm without emptying your wallet. From free live music to the sweeping views from Twin Peaks, the city remains, at its core, a world-class destination—on any budget. Most of the city's most iconic sights, from the Golden Gate Bridge and Golden Gate Park to Fisherman's Wharf and the Painted Ladies (the pastel homes) are free to visit and explore. (If you go to the wharf, don't miss a visit to Pier 39, which overlooks colonies of California sea lions.) It doesn't cost a cent to walk around the Mission District and see the neighborhood's famous murals and street art or cruise through Chinatown and North Beach, which are known for their Chinese and Italian heritage, respectively. If you want a dose of nature, head to Lands End and walk the scenic Coastal Trail or hike to the top of Twin Peaks, which offers panoramic views of the city and the surrounding bay area. Beyond exploring neighborhoods and surrounding nature, many of the city's best museums are either free or have free admission days. On the first Tuesday of every month, admission is free to the fine art museums of de Young and Legion of Honor, and on the first Sunday of every month, entrance to the Asian Art Museum is free. Other museums, like the kid-friendly Randall Museum, which offers free, hands-on science and arts exhibits, and the Cable Car Museum are always free. The MoMA is free for visitors ages 18 and under and has 45,000 square feet of art-filled public spaces that are always free and open to the public. In addition, there are plenty of annual festivals that are free and open to the public—including the music of People in Plazas, which runs through the summer, and the Stern Grove Festival, which offers free concerts every Sunday from mid-June through mid-August. There is also free Shakespeare in the Park theater in August and September. In addition to free to-dos spread across the city, there are a few activities that are so affordable it's hard to complain. For example, you can hop aboard one of the city's iconic cable cars, which are National Historic Landmarks, for just $8. While exploring Chinatown, you can pick up a selection of dim sum or pastries for well under $15, or visit a North Beach cafe or retro-Italian bar for a quick (and affordable) espresso or negroni. With so many low-cost experiences woven into every corner of the city, you don't need a big budget to enjoy California's most expensive tourist destination.
Forbes
18-07-2025
- Business
- Forbes
San Francisco's Pier 39 Welcomes Newest Waterfront Restaurant, FiRE + iCE
Hoison Pork Pier 39—one of San Francisco's most iconic and tourist-friendly destinations—has just welcomed its newest addition to the waterfront dining scene: FiRE + iCE. The San Francisco location marks the brand's fourth outpost, joining established restaurants in Boston, Anaheim, and South Lake Tahoe. Founded on the idea that food should be both fun and inclusive, FiRE + iCE is a unique a choose-your-own-culinary-adventure where diners can build meals that reflect their tastes, dietary preferences, and level of adventurousness. Diners get to customize each plate from an endless selection of ingredients before handing it off to a skilled grill master who brings their vision to life. How does it work? You grab a bowl; fill it with your choice of ingredients which range from seafood and meats to fresh vegetables and noodles; choose from a large selection of sauces; and have the grill master cook it all up. Shrimp stir fry Now officially open, the interactive restaurant invites guests to craft their own culinary creations in a lively, open-kitchen setting with stunning bay views that include Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge as the backdrop. 'Bringing FiRE + iCE to San Francisco has been a dream come true,' said owner Kacee Colter. 'This city's diverse culture and love for innovative dining make it the perfect backdrop for our unique concept.' We chatted with Colter on this exciting new opening, what first-time diner can expect from the experience and more. Here's what she had to say. What inspired the brand to bring FiRE + iCE to San Francisco, and why was Pier 39 the ideal location for your fourth restaurant? The FiRE + iCE model thrives in tourist markets, so when PIER 39 approached us about opening a location, we were thrilled about the opportunity. PIER 39 is one of the most iconic and heavily visited tourist destinations in the country, so we knew it would be the perfect place for us to expand. What truly sealed the deal was seeing the space in person. When we walked in, we were completely blown away by the panoramic waterfront views. Ribbon cutting at Pier 39 Does this location stand out from the others in any unique ways? The panoramic waterfront views make this location stand out from the others. Being right on the San Francisco Bay offers an atmosphere you can't replicate elsewhere. It is such an iconic part of the city's identity, both for locals and tourists, so having a presence right on the water, I think, really amplifies the experience. With so many customizable options, how does FiRE + iCE ensure that guests with dietary restrictions — from vegan to gluten-free — still get the whole interactive and indulgent experience? We want each guest to enjoy the whole interactive and indulgent experience FiRE + iCE has to offer, so we take dietary restrictions very seriously. If someone has a food allergy or specific dietary restriction, it's important that they inform their server. We offer a variety of vegan and gluten-free items here at FiRE + iCE San Francisco. For our gluten-free guests, we have a variety of raw vegetables and unseasoned proteins that are gluten-free. Plus, we even have specific gluten-free sauces! Additional gluten-free options include rice noodles and steamed white rice. For our vegan and vegetarian guests, in addition to our diverse selection of fresh vegetables, we offer fruits, grains, and vegetarian proteins like tofu, ensuring there's an option for everyone. The grill After guests with allergies and/or dietary restrictions make their selections, their meal will be prepared separately in our kitchen following all procedures and best practices to avoid cross-contamination. What can first-time diners expect from the create-your-own-meal concept, and how does it differ from traditional buffet or grill restaurants? For those visiting us for the first time, it may be overwhelming to see the endless array of possible combinations, so don't be afraid to play it safe your first or second time and then get creative and start experimenting. While our guests have the freedom to explore and try new things, we do have a recipes page on our website to help guide selections. Our variety of cuisine and all-you-can-eat aspect set us apart from other buffets or grill restaurants. Guests can enjoy a stir-fry as their first dish and then create a pasta dish or tacos after. With views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island, how did the design of this location reflect both the brand and the spirit of San Francisco's waterfront? The FiRE + iCE brand is very vibrant and playful, which is reflected in the bright red and blue tones throughout the restaurant. The grill is also an integral, central part of our dining experience, but with the fantastic views this location offers, we wanted to ensure each had their moment to shine. Assembly line How do you see FiRE + iCE contributing to the evolving culinary identity of Fisherman's Wharf, especially for locals who may not often dine in this tourist-heavy area? What makes FiRE + iCE so special is that there's something for everyone. Fisherman's Wharf's culinary scene is primarily seafood, so we wanted to make sure this location has a variety of fresh seafood options like salmon, clams, scallops, mussels, etc. However, not everyone dining in this area enjoys seafood, so having a restaurant with options for every type of palate is an essential part of attracting both locals and tourists. That is what makes us a great spot for group dining — whether it's a tour group or corporate event, even the pickiest of eaters in the group will leave feeling happy and full.
CBS News
04-07-2025
- Climate
- CBS News
How to Watch: San Francisco July 4th fireworks show 2025
The annual Fourth of July fireworks show on the San Francisco waterfront will be held at 9:30 p.m. on Friday. The fireworks will be launched from two barges on San Francisco Bay, one located at Pier 39 and another located at Aquatic Park. Looking to attend this or other fireworks shows in person? Visit our comprehensive guide to Bay Area July 4th fireworks shows and activities. Meteorologists predict that fog and low clouds could impact some Bay Area cities' fireworks shows, including the San Francisco show. KPIX First Alert Weather: Current conditions, alerts, maps for your area How to watch the July 4th fireworks show along the San Francisco waterfront Watch online at CBS News Bay Area, in the player above, and on the CBS News app. Watch on-air on KPIX+ 44 Cable 12 Coverage starts at 9:30 p.m.
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
SF Mayor adds new entertainment zones to boost nightlife
The Brief Mayor Daniel Lurie announced the creation of five new entertainment zones in the city on Friday, with the aim of revitalizing neighborhoods and the downtown area. The city says there are 21 San Francisco entertainment zones that have been designated or are pending. SAN FRANCISCO - San Francisco's nightlife scene is on the rise, and now getting a boost from the mayor. San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie announced the creation of five new entertainment zones in the city on Friday, with the aim of revitalizing neighborhoods and the downtown area with night markets and street fairs that loosen restrictions and allow open alcohol containers on the streets for special events. What they're saying "I know these entertainment zones work," Mayor Lurie said at a ceremony at Pier 39 to sign the legislation. "On Front Street, our first entertainment zone, bars have seen an increase in sales of up to 1,500% during these events." "People want to come out and be part of the community, and we will be bringing that to all San Francisco," Lurie said. "The entertainment zone expansion is just one part of our plan to create a vibrant San Francisco." The city says there are now 21 San Francisco entertainment zones that have been designated or are pending. The Castro Night Market is among those sites. Local businesses, restaurants, bars and vendors say it's exciting to have the events. "The community is amazing; family, children, dogs, a lot of food, community," Juan Davila, a Castro Night Market vendor said. Along with Pier 39 and the Castro, the new zones include Folsom Street, Yerba Buena Lane, Valencia Street and Ellis Street downtown by John's Grill. "We're going to incorporate jazz and the arts and pitch stages and bring marquee artists to really create an amazing experience," John Konstin, Junior, owner of John's Grill said. What's really important is we get people back to San Francisco, back to downtown something exciting to go to" Elsewhere in the City The night-life scene is also expanding in the city's Tenderloin. The 2nd Tenderloin Music and Arts Festival is being held over the weekend with concerts at local bars such as Edinburgh Castle and a small gathering place called Dodge Alley. "For us, it's very important to bring the community together to bring music and art. This festival is at least 90% of the bands are local bands," Guillermo Goyri, Psyched Radio and Tenderloin Music Festival Organizer said. "We want to revitalize the area, and we want to be able to connect with small businesses here. We want to make sure they have foot traffic," Cyntia Salavar, Community Director for the Tenderloin Community Benefit District, said. San Francisco Supervisor Bilal Mahmood, who represents the Tenderloin neighborhood, says there are talks already about establishing an entertainment zone in the Tenderloin. Residents also, hope their neighborhood will eventually get an entertainment zone. "I think it is a model for how we can revitalize it with night markets and street fairs throughout the district. Because you can't have public safety without joy. And joy helps to activate this neighborhood and that's what we're looking to do with more of these activations," Mahmood said.
