A POPULAR seafood restaurant will shut at the end of the year after struggling during the economic downturn.

The Bluefish Café and Restaurant on Portland will close as chef and co-owner Luciano Da Silva starts a new venture as head chef at Burton Bradstock outlet the Seaside Boarding House.

Luciano and his wife Jo have run the family business in Chiswell for the last 11 years.

But the Bluefish was put up for sale earlier this year – and Luciano will start his new job in January.

The restaurant will open as usual until going out with a bang with a huge New Year’s Eve party planned.

“It will be sad to close but it has been difficult running a business during the economic slowdown,” said Jo.

“We are very proud of our time here and look forward to new prospects for the restaurant using it as more of a community space rather than closing altogether.

“This will be a big change for us as a family after eleven fabulous years here which we would not have altered for the world.

“It is full of absolutely brilliant memories, none of which would have been possible without the amazing support of our customers.

“Our family will carry on living at the Bluefish and we will continue to open for our very popular monthly supper nights and quiz evenings.”

The Bluefish restaurant area will be available for public hire next year – including for parties, coffee mornings, business meetings and fitness classes.