A POPULAR Indian restuarant is set to close due to the owner’s ill health.

Spice Lounge, on Eastern Esplanade, Canvey has been placed on the market and will close once new owner’s are found.

The advertisement states that new buyers could change the site into a ‘restaurant of your choice’, with the site up for sale for £175,000.

The announcement has left residents fearing that they will lose their favourite Indian restaurant.

Philip Rowan, 62, said: “It is a great shame.

“I read a post on Facebook but didn’t quite believe it.

“I loved it in there, it was a fantastic restaurant, with fantastic food and a fantastic set-up.

“In my humble opinion, it is probably the best Indian on the island, by quite a stretch.

“It was always quite bust when I went in, and I know a a lot of people thought very highly of the business as a whole.

“I did not think it would have been for business reasons, but it is disappointing to hear the owner has come into some bad health, which is a huge shame.

“I never got is name, but he always seemed a good guy and very accommodating.

“I hope he makes a full recovery, and hopefully we can see Spice Lounge return.”

The restaurant seats 110 inside, plus a further 40 customers outside.

Rent is £18,000 per annum, and the site currently takes roughly £8,000 per week.

The description on Rightmove said: “Due to ill health, the owners of this fantastic and fully equipped restaurant are selling the business as a going concern.

“The unit is located in a busy parade on Canvey seafront and could be changed into a restaurant of your choice.”