Last August, the pair joined forces to take charge at the unique restaurant at the Bowling Green Pavilion at Alexandra Bowling Club, planning to combine good food with a series of quirky events to make it the place to go. Based in the 1920s pavilion in the Clifftown conservation area, Janet and Alison have enjoyed success with customers new and old and have introduced a series of fun events, including hosting a live soap opera with a singing waiter. Janet, a former actor and seasoned theatre director, said they have been welcomed by the city with open arms.
She said: “It’s been going very well, we get a lot of repeat customers, and I think they are really enjoying the fact that we do events here. “Some customers come every day, even if it’s just for coffee and a chat, it’s like a local pub. We get on very well with all of the neighbours.
“The regulars that came before are still coming and we have new regulars as well. “It can be challenging, we have no real downtime, but the staff are amazing. “Making a business can be a challenge in this climate, it’s hard for everyone right now.
“I’m really looking forward to trying to restore the building to its former beauty. “Not changing anything, but repairing it, investing money so it can hopefully last another 100 years. “We’ve got the ambition, we just need the time.
” The pair, who had both been regulars of the restaurant before taking over in June last year, said they had jumped at the chance to take it over and have enjoyed every moment. Janet added that the business wanted to be at the “heart of the local community,” and looks to offer discounts and roles for students, as well as supporting a soup kitchen each month to help feed homeless people. She pointed to the venue’s pride and joy, a framed sketch of famed historical bowler, Sir Francis Drake, before he engaged the Spanish Armada – and she said the venue’s location next to the bowls serves as an attraction for its clientele.
Alison, a former senior banker and resident, said: “I grew up in this area and have been coming to this restaurant since the early 90s. I have always loved it - in all its different versions over the years. “So when I saw it was up for sale, I called Janet and she immediately said ‘Let’s do it’.
So we did! “And we have loved (almost) every minute. “The staff are the best thing about La Petite Pétanque. Many of them have worked here for years, and know our regular customers well.
“We would like to say a huge thank you to all our customers who have supported La Petite Pétanque over the past year. “These are challenging times for any small business, so we truly appreciate everyone who chooses to come to La Petite Pétanque.” She said the venue has so far hosted wedding parties, wakes, baby showers, birthdays, and many more special events – adding her team aims to make every event “unique and memorable”.
Next year the building will be 100 years old and they plan to host many events to celebrate it..
