Sole Bay Fish Company in Southwold to rebuild restaurant

Sole Bay Fish Company suffered a devastating fire at its restaurant in Blackshore Quay in May 2023.

In a major step this week, plans for the new indoor dining space were approved on November 14 by East Suffolk Council. 

The fish and chip shop took to their social media page to share the "great news."

The shop wrote: "We have planning permission to rebuild a small part of our restaurant back!"

The rebuild will mean that Sole Bay Fish Company will have to close from Monday, November 20 to complete the work. 

"You can still purchase our lovely fresh fish from the fishmongers, which will be open everyday til 4pm as usual," read the post.

"For your takeaway needs, please come to see us at The Little Fish & Chip Shop in the town!

"We would like to thank all our loyal and new customers for supporting us with our 'al fresco' dining this summer and hope to see you all soon!"

Diners had been braving the cold on the picnic benches outside the shop while they enjoyed their food. 

More than 80 firefighters were at the scene of the fire on Monday, May 1.

Emergency services were called to Blackshore Quay at 12.50am. 

Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service sent eight crews to the scene from across the county, including Lowestoft, Haverhill, Beccles, Halesworth, Woodbridge, Leiston and Wrentham.

In June, the business was able to get 'up and frying' again following the fire.

In a design and access statement to East Suffolk Council, the applicant's agent Ian Garrett Building Design said: "The temporary planning approval is important in creating a viable continuation of this very important business in the tourist location of Southwold, along with the retention of staffing, which without vital help from the landowner and planning authority, will potentially be unemployed."

The temporary restaurant will be smaller than the original structure and will be within a 'roofed-in' area of the building that was saved by fire crews.