SEAFOOD lovers are in for a treat with the opening of a revamped restaurant in Old Leigh next month.

Simply Seafood, in the High Street, was forced to close in February last year after running into financial difficulties, but experienced fish restaurateur Marios Theo has taken it over.

The new restaurant will have space for 36 diners indoors and 44 on two outdoor decking areas, but will also serve passing trade with a takeaway and deli.

Mr Theo said: “We want to offer people the best fish possible and will be buying it from just along the High Street.

“I’ve lived in Leigh for 20 years and have 44 years’ experience in fish restaurants and I like to be involved with my restaurants.

“We’ve kept the old restaurant, but refurbished it, and will have sunshades and heaters on the decks to make them available in all weathers.”

The restaurant is taking reservations for its June 4 public opening, with a preview on May 31 for invited guests.

Takeaway customers on the opening day will be treated to half-price food and diners will receive a complimentary glass of wine. The restaurant will provide 15 new jobs and Mr Theo promises to satisfy the desires of seafood fanatics.

He added: “We’ll have Cornish crab, local cockles and mussels, oysters, lobster and the best fish around.

“My secret batter is so light and complements the fish, rather than covering up quality produce, and our chips will be traditional double-fried thick chips, not frozen ones.”

Leigh town councillor and member of the Leigh Society, Carol Mulroney, welcomed the restaurant’s reopening.

She said: “We are all delighted.

“It was a terrible shame when it shut and, hopefully, it will bring some vitality to that end of the High Street.

“I hope it will attract more people to the cocklesheds, and encourage them to use the station car park.”