A COUPLE who took over a seafront café three months ago, receiving huge praise from visitors, have announced their departure due to a family emergency.

Dorchester couple Belle and Stephen McGonigle took over management of the West Bay Beach Café Bar on The Esplanade in May and quickly became a hit with locals and visitors.

Belle and Stephen McGonigle at the West Beach Café BarBelle and Stephen McGonigle at the West Beach Café Bar (Image: West Beach Cafe Bar)

They took over after the café shut in April when the previous tenant had to pull out unexpectedly due to ill health.

However, the couple has announced they have had to shut the café and will open for the last time today.

In a post on social media, they wrote: "We have had a wonderful three months in West Bay Beach Café Bar.

"Unfortunately due to a family emergency, this will be our last weekend.

"We will close the doors on Sunday evening."

Messages of support and sympathy poured in for the couple on social media.

One person said: "So sorry to see this news. Your meals were amazing and we were looking forward to more in October. "

Another said: "Really sad to hear this - you brought something else to West Bay!! Hoping your family are ok and sending best wishes for the future."

Tracey and William Jovanovic own the café, as well as Westpoint Apartments in West Bay.

Tracey and William JovanovicTracey and William Jovanovic

Tracey paid tribute to the couple for their work over the past three months.

She said: "We are devastated, the food was absolutely amazing.

"The things that Belle can do in a kitchen are incredible.

"We had some people from Penzance the other day who called into West Bay because they had heard about how good the food was.

"I wish them the very best."

The owners are now looking for new tenants to take over the café as the summer season begins.

For more information call Tracey on 07732224961 or email traceyjovanovic@gmail.com