Business

Popular Co Down seafood restaurant The Quays to close

The current management at The Quays in Portavogie have confirmed they will not renew their lease on the restaurant
The current management at The Quays in Portavogie have confirmed they will not renew their lease on the restaurant The current management at The Quays in Portavogie have confirmed they will not renew their lease on the restaurant

AN award-winning Co Down seafood restaurant is to close its doors at the end of this year, The Irish News can reveal.

The current management at The Quays in Portavogie have confirmed they will not renew their lease on the restaurant and will vacate the New Harbour Road site on December 31.

It ends an association of almost decades for head chef and manager, Aaron Hanna, who has been a feature of the restaurant since it opened in 1998.

In a statement last week management team, Aaron Hanna and Janine Ennis said that after "many incredible years" it was time to step away from the business.

"It has been an incredible journey, but with exciting times ahead, right now we can no longer give the business the energy and commitment it requires," they said.

"We have thoroughly enjoyed the journey and we can’t thank our customers and staff enough as we couldn’t have done it without you all. It’s been an absolute pleasure.

"In the meantime it’s business as usual for our remaining six months and we thank you for your continued support."

In addition to The Quays the pair also run the King Street Kitchen in Bangor.

Known as Ireland's most easterly pub and seafood the restaurant, The Quays is located less than 100 yards from Portavogie harbour.

The restaurant launched in 1998 and in 2014 was taken over by head chef Aaron Hanna.

In 2016 the eatery was named Northern Irish Best Seafood Establishment, while it has featured in Georgina Campbell's All Ireland Food Guide since 2014.