A gourmet seafood restaurant on Sidmouth seafront has established a new operation in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines - to keep the wolves at bay and pave the way for other hospitality businesses currently treading water in a sink or swim situation.

The Pea Green Boat has reopened a gourmet takeaway service and bar. People are able to order food and drinks, which they can enjoy on the beach whilst adhering to social distancing.

Restaurant owner, Chris Pike told Sidmouth Nub News: "What we, and other hospitality businesses in Sidmouth, are effectively looking at is two consecutive winters; which for us would be terminal.

"Things are not going to go back to 'normal' - this is the new normal - so it's no use sitting with your arms crossed waiting to be able to open again as before.

"Businesses in the food and drinks industry are having to adapt and operate stripped-back, and in some cases entirely new services, in order to stay afloat.

"As an independent business, we are part of a much larger network of local suppliers reliant on the trade we do.

"Operating in this way, has meant taking my team of six staff off furlough and back into work.

"This is the green shoots of how the hospitality industry, especially here in the South West, can hope to survive."

The Pea Green Boat offers a specialist selection of fresh locally-sourced fish, premium steaks and gourmet pizzas as part of the evening pre-order takeaway.

There is also a lunch-time menu offering a choice of gourmet sandwiches, or half a Lyme Bay Lobster.

Everything is served in biodegradable and sustainable packaging; with a strong emphasis on recycling and encouraging people to dispose of their waste responsibly.

"One positive to come out of this incredibly difficult situation is that many business owners are having to reconnect with their suppliers, with more organic relationships being forged between people in the industry," Chris added.

For more information check out The Pea Green Boat's Facebook and Instagram pages.