Clacton’s revival is driven by powerful community spirit, bringing hope and change to this once-struggling seaside town.
The small town on the Essex coast was once a bustling holiday destination. Its golden sandy beaches, lively arcades, and buzzing promenade attracted visitors from far and wide. But as foreign travel soared in the 1960s, tourists dwindled, businesses shuttered, and the town’s fortunes shifted.
Today, the town struggles with economic hardship and negative media portrayals, often branded as one of the UK’s most deprived areas. Yet behind these grim headlines, lies a community quietly determined to rewrite its story.
Jason Smedley, 54, embodies this spirit. Owner of The Royal Hotel, one of the few seafront hotels still thriving, Jason is a firm believer in Clacton’s community spirit and potential. “It’s the only town in the whole country to have spirit like this,” he says. “There aren’t many places to go, or much to do, and yet there’s this whole community that’s so content, and willing to help each other. If you have a problem, if you need anything, these people will be there in a heartbeat.”
Walking down the faded promenade, it’s easy to see where the town’s struggles have taken their toll. Buildings that once buzzed with holidaymakers now stand with peeling paint, their former charm dulled by time. But despite signs of decline in the town, Jason’s passion for Clacton shines through.
XO- The Greek, formerly known as My Big Fat Greek Taverna, is Jason’s restaurant on the hotel’s first floor. Inside, bright decor and lively chatter transport you back to Clacton in its heyday. “We wanted to bring something different to the town,” he explains. “To show that no matter what anyone says, Clacton is still worth visiting.”
Jason’s commitment goes beyond business. When the pandemic hit, he opened the hotel’s rooms free of charge to frontline workers who couldn’t safely isolate themselves at home. “I thought about the community, about the nurses and carers who needed a safe place. It’s simple really. I could help, so I did.”
If you’re enjoying reading this article, why not check out this article about Ruislip urbanists helping the community one bench at a time here.
His charitable efforts extend beyond crisis moments. Jason has hosted a boxing day soup kitchen for the homeless. Given free meals in school holidays for struggling families, and most recently at Christmas he opened his kitchen to provide 80 roast dinners to local children. “It’s not all me,” he said. “I help, but Lorraine and Chantel from Child and Provide are the real superstars, it would not be possible without their work.”
Jason’s dedication is personal. “This town has been good to me,” he reflects. “I’ve seen people struggle, and if I can help, I will. That’s what Clacton’s community spirit is all about.”
Leaving the restaurant, the cracks in the town’s facade remain. But the hope, and the determination, is unmistakable. Jason’s story is a reminder that Clacton’s narrative is far from over.
It’s slowly being rewritten, one act of kindness, one small business, and one shared meal at a time.
