Whitehaven fishmonger to create jobs with new seafood restaurant

A fishmonger in Whitehaven, Cumbria, has revealed plans to create jobs by transforming an empty pub in the town into a seafood restaurant.

Donnan Quayside Fisheries’ Richard Donnan has acquired the Distressed Sailor on Egremont Road, which closed around 18 months ago, and plans to give the pub a new lease of life.

Once renovation work has been carried out, the venue will be run by his wife, Anne. Set to open this Autumn, the launch of the new business is expected to create around six jobs.

Malcolm Ireland and Martin Long, two partners in North West-based Napthens solicitors’ Leisure team, advised Richard during the process of acquiring the property.

Commenting on the new venture, Napthens’ Martin Long said: “The name Donnan Quayside Fisheries is well known in the Whitehaven area, and opening a restaurant using the same high quality fresh fish the business already sells was a logical step.

“Richard and Anne are passionate about this project and I can’t wait to see what they achieve with their new venture.”

Based on Whitehaven’s North Shore Road, Donnan Quayside Fisheries was established by Richard’s father and supplies fresh fish to pubs, restaurants, hotels and private customers.

Richard said: “There is no doubt the fishing business has changed drastically while we have operated Donnan Quayside Fisheries, and it is vital to move with the times and diversify in order to remain successful.

“We have built up a great reputation for quality and we were very keen to expand our offering. The Distressed Sailor was a great fit for us. It has a great location for passing trade and we are now starting on a fairly extensive overhaul of the property.”

He added: “Ultimately we aim to transform it from a bar-focussed venue to a restaurant serving our fresh fish, locally sourced.”

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