The UK’s poshest private beach huts, installed by none other than luxury retailer Fortnum & Mason, were ruined by a storm just days after their stellar launch.
The three high-end huts located at Watergate Bay, near Newquay in Cornwall, were unveiled last week during an event which saw top chef Emily Scott serve guests an “al fresco feast”.
Ms Scott is also the creator of two picnic menus available to those booking the huts.
A few days later, the huts painted in the retailer’s blue-green shade known as “Eau de Nil” and their white roofs are still standing and featuring the Fortnum & Mason’s logo, but signs of the “unexpected storm” which battered the beach are clearly visible.
The damages experienced by the wooden huts are “significant but cosmetic”, Fortnum & Mason said, adding they remain structurally intact.
The shacks, opened on July 25, have been temporarily shut down to the public to allow for repair works to be carried out.
The retailer said: “Due to an unexpected storm during high tide yesterday evening at Watergate Bay, the platform surrounding our Fortnum’s Beach Huts has sustained significant but cosmetic damage.
“Before launch, all health and safety measures were approved by an accredited body that has since ensured that the base platform remains structurally intact.
“And because we’re determined that nothing should get in the way of our customers enjoying a wonderful summer Beach Hut experience, we are now completing additional checks on the structure and working to correct the cosmetic damage before re-opening to the public as soon as we can – hopefully when there is a bit more sunshine.”
The exclusive shacks can accommodate up to four guests during two-and-a-half-hour slots.
Their creation was “inspired by the nostalgia of summers spent on the British coast”, according to the retailer, which filled the huts with handpicked homeware including pillows, golden decorations and vases.
Those who want to experience the beach in one of the huts will have to choose between two picnic menus, both coming with a Fortnum hamper containing the “very best fresh dishes” from Cornish supplies as well as the store’s own picnic products.
The Seaside Picnic, the most affordable choice between the two menus created by Chef Scott, includes crab sandwiches with summer tomatoes paired with shallots and basil and comes at £195 for two people or £295 for four guests.
Beachgoers choosing the Seaside Feast will receive lobster and black truffle among other treats – coming at £395 for four people.
The huts will be available for bookings until September 10.
