The Yacht sets sail: Glamorous new venue opens on Torquay harbour

Torquay has officially welcomed a glamorous new addition to its harbourfront hospitality scene.

The Yacht, located at the former Cinnabar premises on 18-19 Victoria Parade, opened its doors to the public today, Friday, 23 May.

It is the second venue on Torquay’s harbourfront operated by the East Street Pub Company, following the opening of Viva in late 2023. The company is headed by Director Steve Narvidge, alongside his wife Annie, two sons and daughter-in-law.

A VIP launch evening was held on Thursday, 22 May, where family and friends were welcomed with a red-carpet entrance and a complimentary drink on arrival. Guests enjoyed a selection of canapés served throughout the evening.

Above: Downstairs of The Yacht with a distillery in collaboration with the Coastal Distilling Co. Image: Lyn Spindley

While Viva offers food, drink and a focus on games and activities, The Yacht has a maritime theme inspired by a Torbay sailor who is said to have brought back flavours from his travels around the world.

Describing the venue as a “chameleon place”, Mr Narvidge explained that The Yacht offers different experiences across its two floors.

Upstairs features a restaurant catering to all ages and a boutique champagne bar with bottles available for purchase. A terrace also provides views across Torquay harbour.

The downstairs area caters more to adult guests. It includes a variety of booth seating and an open distillery space in collaboration with the Coastal Distilling Co, led by Laurance Traverso. The distillery is already in operation and producing signature gins that are available at the bar.

Above: (L to R) Ella Woszczyk, Anthony Jones, Kelly Widley, Laurance Traverso and Sam Perry. Image: Lyn Spindley

The venue's design was led by Torquay-based company Gutxi. The downstairs was designed by co-director Mark Green, while the upstairs was spearheaded by architectural designer Charlotte Puddicombe.

Mr Green said: “The dedication of owners and clients Steve and Annie Narvidge, alongside the hard-working team of suppliers and contractors, has been truly outstanding. Their commitment is evident in every aspect of the project, ensuring a top-notch outcome.”

Standout design features include a collection of suspended model yachts in the central ceiling and a commissioned dramatic gold art installation, styled like a chandelier, featuring spiralling fish.

Above: A view from upstairs. Image: Lyn Spindley

The building was originally known as The Yacht for many years before being renamed Cinnabar in 2015. The Narvidge family said reverting to the original name was a natural decision, intended to restore a sense of familiarity and heritage for local residents.

The renovations involved stripping out the old structure of the building to add more space and doing unseen work to the floor and roof.

The company already operates four other venues in Torbay, all located in Paignton, including The Hyde Dendy, Street Golf, Harbour Inn, and Queen Victoria.

Explaining the company’s philosophy, Steve said: “We’ve always tried to reinvest in the business and never take anything for granted. We’re constantly analysing what we do to see if we need to look in a different direction to keep our venues up to date and moving forward.”

He added that he feels optimistic about the recent improvements to Torquay’s harbourside and believes the local hospitality sector is in a good position.

Public interest in The Yacht has been high, with the venue fully booked on its opening night. In addition to a wide-ranging bar menu, it offers a selection of fish and pizza dishes, alongside unique starters such as nduja scotch eggs.