“Rockfish will need to review their design works for the site and the planning permission prior to commencing works on site. This will result in a delay to their programme; however the opportunity to include the toilet block in their refurbishment programme will result in a much enhanced restaurant offer on this site.” [District Council project manager]
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The ‘fish and chip’ chain Rockfish is more than just a ‘fish and chip’ shop – it’s actually very committed to sustainable fishing, as its website declares: Protecting sea bass stocks for the future | Rockfish
And they are widely recognised for their efforts: Rockfish wins sustainable seafood award – Vision Group for Sidmouth
They’ve also won awards for being a good restaurant: Rockfish owner wins Restaurateur of the Year – Vision Group for Sidmouth
And, indeed, one of the restaurants recommended recently in Devon is Rockfish:
At Rockfish, the whole family can enjoy fresh seafood, and stay entertained with the special children’s menu and ocean protector pack. Rockfish also has restaurants in Brixham, Exeter, Exmouth, Plymouth and Torquay. Restaurants are expected to open in Salcombe, Sidmouth and Topsham later this year. 15 Devon restaurants, cafes and pubs brilliant for a family meal out – Devon Live
Yes, they’ve been planning to open in Sidmouth – since 2019: Regional fish restaurant chain Rockfish to take on Drill Hall – Vision Group for Sidmouth
With a little more from their website:
We are looking forward to opening a brand new Rockfish restaurant in the iconic Drill Hall in Sidmouth. We will be serving our signature sustainable seafood, landed in Brixham, seasonal side dishes and delicious drinks in this incredible location, and becoming part of the thriving community in Sidmouth. We will update our website with all new opening information as soon as we have it. Coming soon | Sidmouth seafood restaurant | Rockfish
Devon Live reports on the latest delays:
Sidmouth has to wait longer for its anticipated new Rockfish seafood restaurant, with plans being held back for further improvements. News of the chain’s expansion into Sidmouth was first reported in 2020, and plans for the former Drill Hall were granted… Now those plans seem to be closer to happening as Mitch Tonks’ chain has put in a bid to acquire the toilet block adjacent to the Drill Hall on Sidmouth seafront.
The bid to acquire the toilet site ‘will result in a much enhanced restaurant offer on this site’. But it is likely to lead to a further delay in when the Rockfish will open though, as fresh planning permission would be required…
Alison Hayward, Project Manager, Place & Prosperity, in her report to the cabinet, says: “Rockfish will need to review their design works for the site and the planning permission prior to commencing works on site. This will result in a delay to their programme, however the opportunity to include the toilet block in their refurbishment programme will result in a much enhanced restaurant offer on this site.”
Rockfish Sidmouth faces another delay as planned restaurant gets bigger – Devon Live