Cod and Lobster, Scarborough: Seafood shop on the Yorkshire coast announces closure due to 'lack of council investment in harbour and support for fishermen'

Cod & Lobster opened on West Pier in 2021, and its owners are from a fishing family who sold the fresh catch brought in by the local trawlers.

They had plans to expand, but have now confirmed that they are temporarily closing from March 1 until further notice.

In a statement released on their social media accounts, Cod & Lobster thanked customers and said: “We are unwilling to invest any more resources into our footprint on West Pier until the future of West Pier is guaranteed for the fishermen.

"As supporters of the local fishing industry, we advocate what’s best for the industry’s future and the prosperity of West Pier for generations to come.

"As many of you will be aware, West Pier is in urgent need of investment. The shop, in its three years, has had to deal with ceiling leaks, scaffolding and boarding presence outside our entrance. However, a big thank you must go to the harbour master, harbour staff and estates team who have tried to rectify the problems we have encountered.

"This is not a permanent goodbye. We remain hopeful that a resolution might be reached, and will welcome the opportunity to re-open our doors.”

Cod & Lobster is run by Jack Wood, whose family have been fish merchants in Scarborough since 1970. The shop was set to get new harbourside premises as part of a new investment scheme, and crab and lobster tanks to allow them to sell wholesale.

The West Pier is part of a major North Yorkshire Council-led regeneration of the South Bay area with a focus on food and drink, events and fishing heritage.

The council aim to refurbish harbourside buildings as artists’ studios and new food and drink outlets, while new seafood kiosks, bait sheds and toilets are being built.

The intention is that trawler crews will be able to sell their own wares from attractive retail units.

Improved parking and better warehousing facilities for the fishing fleet are also part of the scheme, as well as a flagship seafood restaurant to increase footfall around the South Bay.