New owner of Riverside Diner in Bitterne Park, Southampton

Austin Thompson and his wife have taken over the Riverside Diner in Bitterne Park, after it was sold by the previous owners and closed on January 31.

It was run by the same family for 34 years and sold as the previous owner wanted to retire.

Austin is a local entrepreneur who also runs a construction company, is a managing director of the Jerk Jam music festival and in 2018 he was involved in the The Dine High Club, which saw diners suspended by a crane in Southampton.

He and his wife are planning a full refurbishment before it opens as the 'Riverside' on February 28.

Austin said: "It is quite hard to make it a dual purpose space, but it is coming together quite nicely.

"It has been created with comfort and aesthetics in mind as a dual purpose venue."

Asked his vision for the Riverside, he said: "A place to meet after a walk by the river or simply getting a breakfast or lunch. Serving great coffees and a variety of healthy brunches until 2.30pm."

While it will be a café during the day, on Thursday to Saturday evening from 5.30pm to 9.30pm it will become a bistro and wine bar, serving tapas, cold meats and smashed burgers.

"I enjoy bringing creativity and colour and sound to people as we have done with our other events," added Austin.

"I think the world is moving towards healthy food, and we are trying to create a place everyone can come and meet."

The sign in the diner window (Image: NQ)

Austin adds that opening a café/bistro is "probably less risky" than an outdoor event, as the weather less of a factor. The Jerk Jam festival had to be cancelled in 2023 due to high winds, and it has been called off for 2025.

READ MORE: Music festival Jerk Jam called off for 2025, organisers say

The Riverside will continue to serve all day breakfast and Austin says it will support local produce, including honey, which Austin collects as part of his beekeeping hobby.

There will be a total of six jobs created by the Riverside. Interviews are being conducted for these currently.

A licence to sell alcohol on the premises has also been made to Southampton City Council, under the name Cr8tive Spirits.

READ MORE: Bitterne Park diner stays open after sale falls through

Farewell message from the previous owners of the Riverside Diner:

As previously reported, the old owner, Ronald Hanna, sold the 34-year-old family business to retire and not because the café was struggling.

It had previously been set to change hands in November 2024, but that deal fell through.

See this note transcribed below (Image: NQ)

A message left in the window by the previous owners read: "We regret to inform all our lovely loyal customers that Friday, January 31 will be our last day of trading. We cannot thank you all enough for all your continued support over the last 34 years.

"We would also like to thank all of our staff present and past for their continued support over the years. The reins are being handed over to Austin & Jennifer whom I am sure you will give your continued support to. We will miss you all."

The diner was well-known for their "specials" and their "Almighty Diner" full-English breakfast that uniquely came served with bubble and squeak.