A POPULAR seafood restaurant could see a revival just weeks after it announced its permanent closure.

The West Mersea Oyster Bar closed its doors at the end of March.

Its owner put the closure of the family-run business down to “relentless pressure on social media” and said it was a necessary move to “protect his family’s welfare from baseless accusations and abuse”.

But now, in an attempt to keep the business running, its boss has revealed his plans to transform the restaurant into a takeaway outlet.

Echo: Closed - The restaurant announced its permanent closure last monthClosed - The restaurant announced its permanent closure last month

Submitting his proposal to Colchester Council’s planning department, Michael Dawson said: “I wish to change the conditions of the outbuilding to sell oysters which I grow on my oyster beds and purify in my oyster purification plant, and cold seafood and accompanying drinks.”

There is already permission in place to serve food from the outbuilding, but only in addition to the main restaurant.

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Acknowledging the closure of the restaurant, in Coast Road, West Mersea, Mr Dawson said: “I have closed the West Mersea Oyster Bar because I can't find enough staff to operate it after many attempts.

“The outbuilding is much smaller and would only need myself and my family to operate it and still would allow us to sell our oysters to the public and therefore keep our industry going.”

If the plans are approved, diners will be able to enjoy oysters, cold seafood, teas, coffees, wine, and soft drinks, which will be available to take away or eat at the seating area on the benches in the restaurant’s parking area.

Speaking previously, Mr Dawson, who started the business more than 17 years ago, said the main restaurant’s premises will stay within his family and will be offered to local charities to use for fundraising events free of charge.

The recent closure of the restaurant wasn’t the first. It temporarily closed in December due to "technical issues" and slow business over Christmas.

In 2010, Sel Yuzen and Chris Avila took over the running of the restaurant, but their lease came to an end in 2020.

The popular seafood bar later re-opened under the management of the Dawson family, who own the restaurant.

Colchester Council will have the final say on the plans.