Mark Hix will open The Oyster & Fish House next month at the site that was formerly HIX Oyster & Fish House.

HIX Oyster & Fish House ceased trading in April when the board of WSH Limited made the decision to put all of HIX restaurants into administration, a decision that was not made or supported by Hix himself who was a minor shareholder in the business.

Born and bred in nearby West Bay, chef, restaurateur and food writer Mark Hix was keen to secure the former HIX property to open another restaurant once lockdown was lifted and diners were able to begin eating out again within the Government’s guidelines.

“The Fish House has always been a very important restaurant to me and was the second restaurant I opened in 2008," he said. "I was devastated by the decision made by WSH but sadly it was out of my hands. Now it’s time to look to the future and new beginnings.

"I am looking forward to opening a fish and seafood restaurant again, despite the challenges all restaurateurs are facing at the moment. I have been overwhelmed by the support of locals and previous HIX regulars, so I am looking forward to welcoming them all to the restaurant when I open the doors later this month.”

The restaurant will be very similar to its predecessor, serving seasonal local produce and fish and seafood caught in Lyme Bay and along the Dorset coast. The Oyster and Fish House will be open all day, 7 days a week and available for private hire and weddings, once regulations permit.