Celebrity chef closes down seaside restaurant after 16 years – with ‘no plans to open any more in the future’
The chef makes regular appearances on This Morning and Saturday Kitchen
A CELEBRITY chef has closed down his iconic seaside restaurant after 16 years – and has “no plans to open any more in the future”.
Mark Hix, 61, announced that the West Dorset joint would be shutting for good on December 7.
He opened the restaurant, Oyster & Fish House in Lyme Regis, back in 2008 – hot off the heels of his 2007 victory on The Great British Menu.
But it has been met with numerous challenges over recent years – including the Covid pandemic and a high-profile planning dispute with the local council.
Announcing the news with his 25,000 Instagram followers, Mark shared his sadness following the decision.
He said: “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.
“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 7th this year.”
Turning his attention to customers, colleagues, and the people of Lyme Regis, he added: “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.
“Being a Dorset boy, this will always be my home, and I will continue to work in both Dorset and London.
“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.”
He then clarified that the restaurant – and its team – would be taken over by new owners in due course, with updates to follow next week.
But the closure won’t signify the chef’s exit from the industry, he insisted.
He shared that he would even be hosting Kitchen Tables events at his own home in Charmouth, joking: “You might not be able to dine at The Fish House any more, but you can still come and dine with me at my house!”
Fellow industry professionals rushed to share their sympathies in the comments.
Food critic and son of Queen Camilla, Tom Parker-Bowles, wrote: “Bring on the next one xxxx”.
Meanwhile, baker Richard Bertinet said: “Well…..I was only cooking with you a few weeks ago… very special place and you’re a special human being!
“Only one I know who can make a three course diner with one apple! … Only way is up mon ami! A bientot!! Big hugs.”
It isn’t the first time Mark has been forced to close the restaurant – which already shut down in 2020 as a result of the pandemic, before being relaunched in a rebranded form.
Why celeb restaurants go bust
By Paul Lochhead, Managing Director of Drinkstuff
THE recent wave of celebrity chef restaurant closures can indeed be attributed to several factors, with the pandemic being a significant one.
The hospitality industry, particularly high-end restaurants, faced unprecedented challenges during the pandemic. Restrictions on dining, a shift to takeaways, and the need for social distancing significantly reduced footfall and revenue for these establishments.
However, the impact goes beyond the pandemic. High-end restaurants operate on a model that requires substantial overheads—premium locations, top-quality ingredients, and skilled staff.
With the economic uncertainty and a change in consumer behaviour post-pandemic, there’s been a shift in dining preferences. Many diners are now seeking more casual, value-driven experiences, which puts pressure on the viability of luxury dining.
Moreover, for celebrity chefs, these ventures are often passion projects rather than primary revenue sources.
If a restaurant isn’t performing well, it may not be worth the continued investment, especially when compared to the other income streams they have, such as media appearances, books, and endorsements.
It then saw a fresh set of challenges as local councillors voted to remove £20,000 worth of wooden decking at the restaurant in 2023.
Hix had wanted to make the temporary structure permanent and was left furious over the decking row, saying local officials were “defying the will of the people.”
A petition to save the decking received over 10,000 signatures but he was forced to rip the structure out last year.
The fuming chef warned losing the outside seating would put a financial strain on his business and could cost jobs.
At the time he described it as “a sad day” and “devastating”, adding: “Thank you Lyme Regis Town Councillors for your total lack of support.
“Our deck will be gone by Friday as requested. We fought the battle to the very end, but sadly lost.”
Customers also joined in on the wave of support after news broke of the restaurant’s eventual closure last week.
One said: “Gutting. That restaurant put Lyme back on the map.
“It was where my extended family all chose to celebrate the big events: 16ths, 18ths, 30ths, 40ths, 50th, 80ths. Will be truly missed.”
It’s not the first time Hix has been forced to close restaurants, with a string shutting in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Tramshed in Shoreditch, London, and Hixter Bankside, London, both shuttered when Hix’s restaurants went into administration.
One of his champagne and caviar bars inside Selfridges on Oxford Street, London, also closed in 2013 after opening in 2010.
