“I will cherish the memories I have made” - Mark Hix to close The Oyster & Fish House

In a statement, Hix confirmed the restaurant would close its doors on 7 December.

The restaurant and its team will subsequently be taken over by new owner, with details related to this set to be announced next week.

Hix originally launched the restaurant, which overlooks Dorset’s Jurassic Coast, as Hix Oyster and Fish House in 2008.

The restaurant subsequently closed as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic in April 2020, but was relaunched by Hix as The Oyster & Fish House later that year​​.

“It’s safe to say there have been some ups and downs over the years, particularly with the pandemic, as well as increasing challenges and pressures on the industry,” Hix's statement says.

“I always think if you’re going to stop doing something, you should always go out on a high. And so, with heavy heart, I am announcing the closure of The Oyster & Fish House on December 7 this year.

“The restaurant, along with the team, will be taken over in the very near future, and news of that will follow next week. But for now, I wanted to personally say a huge thank you to everyone that has supported the business over the years.

“We have made some fantastic and loyal friendships, we’ve run countless successful events with incredible chefs including Food Rocks, we’ve raised huge amounts for charity and worked with some very talented and dedicated staff members.”

Hix was involved in a high-profile battle with Lyme Regis Town Council​​ in late 2022 when he was ordered to remove wooden decking erected next to the restaurant during the pandemic when the Government temporarily eased regulations to allow the hospitality trade to serve food outdoors.

At the time he warned that its removal would have a significant financial impact on his business​​ and potentially lead to its closure.

“Being a Dorset boy, this will always be my home, and I will continue to work in both Dorset and London,” he continues.

“I have no plans to open any more restaurants in the future and I will certainly miss my Lyme Regis restaurant, but I will cherish the memories that I have made over the last 16 years.

“I am now looking forward to focusing on new projects, which will always include my Kitchen Tables events at my Charmouth home. So, you might not be able to dine at The Fish House anymore, but you can still come and dine with me at my house!”