A restaurant is to close its doors for the final time this weekend. 

The Boat That Rocks, Portland, announced it is to shut for good in a social media post on Wednesday evening. 

It said: "We are sad to announce that The Boat That Rocks will be closing its doors for the final time at 5pm this Sunday.

"We would like to thank all of our lovely customers for their support and our amazing staff for all their hard work."

Steve Philpot, who runs The Boat That Rocks, told The Echo it is "unsustainable" to keep the bar, restaurant and entertainment venue going in what has been described as a "terrible loss" to the isle.

Dorset Echo:

He says bills have sky-rocketed from about £60,000 a year to £174,000 per annum, which he said he "just cannot afford" as the cost-of-living crisis takes hold.

Staff at the venue have been laid off and it remains unclear as to what will take over the vacant building, which overlooks the marina.

Many have rushed to comment on the news, saying they are 'sorry to see them go' and that the restaurant will be 'a real loss.'

READ: Loss of Portland restaurant is "gut-wrenching" as bills sky-rocket

Paul Appleby, president of the Weymouth and Portland Chamber of Commerce, shared concerns about the future of the hospitality sector on Portland.

"It's a terrible loss," he said. "It was an anchor businesss which ticked so many boxes."

"The island has lost such a strong business magnet that would drive people in from far and wide. It was a destination."