Mitch Tonks (right in picture) is taking over the site of Mark Hix’s (left) Oyster and Fish House in Lyme Regis, which he will relaunch next year as part of his growing Rockfish group.
Mark will close the restaurant after 16 years on 7 December. He lost his London restaurant empire during the Covid pandemic, and says he has no plans to open more restaurants in the future.
Announcing the Rockfish handover, he said: “As one door closes, another one opens…and I’m sure you will be as happy as I am to know that Mitch Tonks will be opening a Rockfish on the site of the Oyster & Fish House in the new year.
“I have been friends with Mitch for many years. We opened our restaurants in the south west around the same sort of time and have always had the same ethos; focusing on freshly caught fish, seasonal produce, and supporting the fishing community. Mitch will be continuing with the usual guest chef evenings, so you can expect to see me hosting one with him in the new year.
“Although I will be sad to see The Oyster & Fish House close next month, I do feel the time is right, and I cannot think of a better fit than Rockfish to take its place. I know that Mitch and his team are looking forward to seeing you all and continuing to serve the best of locally caught fish and seafood, and local seasonal ingredients. I think it will be a brilliant addition to the town, and I will be looking forward to dining there myself!”
The Lyme Regis restaurant will be part of Rockfish’s expansion plans for next year, which include new restaurants in Salcombe and Sidmouth. The group currently has eight venues across southwest English, while Mitch also owns his flagship The Seahorse in Dartmouth.
Mark said of the closure: “I have no plans to open any more restaurants in the future and I will certainly miss my Lyme Regis restaurant, but I will cherish the memories that I have made over the last 16 years.
“Being a Dorset boy, this will always be my home, and I will continue to work in both Dorset and London. I am now looking forward to focusing on new projects, which will always include my Kitchen Tables events at my Charmouth home. So, you might not be able to dine at The Fish House anymore, but you can still come and dine with me at my house.”
