Former Sussex Cricket star to open ice cream café on Shoreham Beach

Tony Cottey enjoyed six stellar years playing for Sussex Cricket Club, before staying on as their business relationship manager for another twelve.

Now he has taken the path less well-trodden for a professional sportsman by moving into the takeaway gelato business with his partner, Lindsay Kirby.

Cotts and Linz Ice Cream Café is set to open in Ferry Road on Monday on the site formerly occupied by Beach Café.

Tony described it as a ‘very exciting’ new chapter in the couple’s lives.

“Sport’s been my life since I was 16,” said Tony, 54.

“It will be a big difference, but Covid has given us a new look at life over the last year and we felt now was the right time to make a change.”

Tony and Lindsay, who live in Brunswick Terrace in Hove, have been refurbishing the café for four months and getting up to speed on their new industry.

Tony said it has been a steep learning curve but the couple have ‘done their homework’ and are raring to go with suppliers, equipment and a wide range of ice creams, gelato, coffees and other café-fare.

While there is enough space for 24 customers to eat in, Tony said they are hoping to take advantage of Shoreham Beach’s high footfall for takeaway orders, particularly once lockdown restrictions are eased.

“It’s a new career for us but it’s also a way to embed ourselves into the community,” said Tony.

“I’d always hosted team dinners and events during my time with Sussex Cricket and my later role was all about building supporters, sponsors and friends.

“So to a certain extent this will just be an extension of that.

“After the past year, it will be nice to get some face to face interaction.”

Tony made 74 appearances for Sussex Cricket Club during his six-year stint, scoring 3,948 at a rate of 33.74, with ten centuries.

Cotts and Linz Ice Cream Café should be open for takeaway on Monday, with a full opening planned for April 12 when social restrictions are eased.