Crustacean and The Loft restaurants in Weymouth close

The family who own the Crustacean fish and seafood restaurant on St Mary Street, as well as The Loft Pizza Restaurant on the Custom House Quay, has announced their closure.

Both businesses were acquired in the past two years by Gary Pullin and his family, including his wife Stephanie and sons Ryan and Callum.

The family is originally from near Bristol and opened the Crustacean in May 2022. They held a grand re-opening of The Loft - formerly known as The Stable which closed in 2020 - in only April of last year.

The Crustacean (Image: Google Maps)

The Loft (Image: Kieran Bell)

In a statement, the family blames a tough financial climate and an overly seasonal climate in Weymouth.

This closure follows speculation online after the restaurants stopped responding to reservations and answering the phone.

Callum Pullin said: "To clear up all rumours and speculation it is with deep regret that I inform everyone that it is correct that we unfortunately won’t be reopening here at Crustacean or at our sister restaurant The Loft.

"We had hoped to push through these hard times and into another busy season but that has not prevailed.

"We have had lots of fun across the two years between the two places and have loved meeting the new faces and of course the regulars but that has now unfortunately got to come to an end with how seasonal Weymouth has become and the current economy.

"We wish everyone the absolute best and hope that people will be able to take over the restaurant and blossom them back into a success.

"Hope everyone takes care and has a great new year. Callum and the family."

Read more: Popular harbourside restaurant reopens this week

Inside The Loft prior to its grand opening in 2023 (Image: Kieran Bell)

The Stable closed down suddenly in January 2020 before being replaced by The Loft at the beginning of the pandemic which was later bought by the Pullins. It is set across three floors and enjoys views of Weymouth Harbour and along the coast.

The Loft was open every day except Wednesdays. Crustacean was open Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Initially after opening The Loft had issues with its license to sell alcohol, during which time it asked customers to 'bring their own booze' until it could solve the issue.