A POPULAR seafront restaurant has decided to close its doors for the day due to the "excessive heat". 

Bosses at Oyster Creek Kitchen, on Western Esplanade, say the decision was also based on concerns for the welfare of staff. 

The restaurant will reopen as normal on Tuesday, as it is usually closed on Mondays anyway.

It comes as an amber weather warning remains in place for Southend due to extreme heat. 

The Met Office says temperatures are set to peak at around 29c in the city today, and are unlikely to drop below 20c overnight. 

Read more >> When thunderstorms will bring 'torrential rain' to Essex

Announcing the closure on social media, the Oyster Creek Kitchen said: "Due to excessive heat & staff wellbeing, we have taken the decision to close today (August 14th) to allow our staff to get some rest and stay safe.

"We will reopen on Tuesday.

"We apologise for any inconvenience."

Forecasters say the heatwave will come to an end next week and have issued a weather warning for thunderstorms. 

The Met Office says there is the potential for disruption in Essex due to torrential dowpours.