The opening of a new seafood restaurant in Sidmouth is still going ahead despite delays, the owner has confirmed.

Rockfish's planning application to convert the Drill Hall site at the eastern end of the Esplanade was approved in February 2020, but work has since been delayed by the coronavirus pandemic and a 'minor legal matter'.

Celebrity chef Mitch Tonks is the owner of the Rockfish series of restaurants in Devon and Dorset.

He said: "Rockfish is still planning to acquire the Drill Hall in Sidmouth for a Rockfish site.

"The work and any opening have understandably been delayed due to a legal point and the backdrop of the pandemic."

A spokesperson for East Devon District Council said on social media that Rockfish 'is very much still involved in this project and has a live planning permission in place', and that it was aiming to start work next year.

The spokeperson added: "The council is currently resolving a minor legal matter ... as soon as this is done, the option to lease agreement between Rockfish and the council can be completed."

—————

Got a Sidmouth story you want to share with us? Email [email protected]

For daily updates on what's happening in Sidmouth, follow us on Facebook and Twitter. You can also sign up to our free weekly newsletter featuring exclusive articles for subscribers - just type your email into the box below.