Bistro on the Beach at Southbourne completely demolished

Residents have described the decision to knock down the restaurant, which has been around since the 1970s, as a “pity” and “shocking”.

Ian Robertson of Southbourne said: “It’s a pity because it was a really lovely restaurant and I think some people are going to lose their huts or place them somewhere else – but where do you place them?

“We’ve got a beach hut on the other side of Portman Ravine and there’s no space. That’s the issue for many people – which is sad.”

Sally Ashton added: “I feel really sad about it. We used to come along here for family holidays and get ice creams so it’s quite nostalgic.

"It will be good to have a new facility, though, but it won’t be here for a while. Hopefully it will bring more holiday makers to this end of the beach rather than near Bournemouth.”

Tourist Gail Oughton, visiting from the Midlands, said: “It’s a shock to see. I would come every year from Coventry since when I was little, specifically Southbourne because it is quieter than the rest of Bournemouth. So yes, it is sad to see the diggers here.”

Engineers began clearing the site on Wednesday, ahead of the proposal put in by BCP Council of a new £7million replacement building.

The local authority has submitted an application to build a new restaurant, kiosk, public facilities as well as 17 “premium” overnight lodges.

In the meantime, a temporary venue will start selling food and drink from June just in time for summer and will run until October.