A POPULAR harbourside seafood restaurant in Weymouth has closed suddenly.

A message posted on the Facebook page of No 4 restaurant announced that it was closing and thanked customers and staff for their support.

It stated: “Today the doors were closed at No. 4 after 3 years of blood sweat and tears laughter and lots of fabulous seafood.

“Thank you to all our valued customers and staff who have helped make such wonderful memories. It was always a pleasure.

“If you have a voucher purchased to be redeemed in 2017 please email eat@no4.restaurant for more information.

“The luckiest people in the world are those who will employ head chef Vonni and maitre de Becky thank you both and thank you to Jason, Fran, Flo, Mo, Ebony, Talia, Lloyd, Robert and Chloe - will miss you all.”

The restaurant was owned by former president of Weymouth and Portland Chamber of Commerce Michelle Hind and her son Andrew was front of house manager.

As reported in the Echo, Ms Hind resigned as president of the chamber following the closure of the law firm Redferns, where she was a partner, after a panel ruled there was reason to “suspect dishonesty”.

In spring 2015, Ms Hind had re-launched No 4 restaurant with a new look and menu and expanded the team in April last year.

The building that housed number No 4 has been a restaurant in many different forms, first as Perry’s.

It was also formerly the Oasis bistro and wine room.

No 4 restaurant was well-regarded, with a four out of five rating on TripAdvisor.

People took to Facebook to express their sadness at the closure.

Posting on No 4’s page, Tracy Johnson, said: “So sorry to hear this, always loved the food, always a warm welcome and the window always looks fabulous, a sad loss to the harbourside.”

Jodie Evans said it was “very sad to hear.”

David Hayes commented: “Sad to hear our favourite place has closed. The team at No 4 also produced the best seafood in town.”

This is the second blow to small businesses in Weymouth in just a few few weeks after Holywood Fancy Dress Shop, on Abbotsbury Road closed its doors in December ahead of a move to Poole.

Its owner said that rents “weren’t worth the property” and that there are a lot of empty shops in Weymouth but “landlords aren’t being very fair” and aren’t considering small businesses.