The Lobster Pot in Beeston serves customers on its last day of trading
The Lobster Pot is well known for its classic seafood meals with a Thai twist, but today will be the last day of trading for its Beeston location. The premises on Villa Street first opened in 2016 and, although the lease was not due to end until 2027, the owner has taken the decision to close the business due to rising costs.
Owner Chatchai 'Der' Pongsawang confirmed that today (Saturday, September 28) would be the final day of trading in the town. He told Nottinghamshire Live: " Our lease was actually supposed to end in 2027 however we've had a last-minute opportunity to terminate it early as staying until 2027 with how things have been the past couple years would be a death sentence.
"With the cost of absolutely everything doubling, and tripling in price it just was not profitable so it got to the point where we were basically working for nothing and just keeping customers happy whilst not being able to pay our own bills. We love our customers so it made us happy to do this, but once everyone had left and you're sat number crunching, that's when it really hits you."
Adding: "Realistically I should have tried to exit the lease straight after Covid as it never really picked up again. Customers would have seen us busy on Fridays and Saturdays but the rest of the week we were barely surviving.
"Taking this opportunity to leave the premises allows for another restaurant to give this location a good go. I don't know much about the new tenants but I'm sure everything will come to light over the next couple weeks."
Der also runs The Lobster Pot on Mansfield Road, Nottingham, which was originally opened in 2001 by his parents Wat and Pensri Pongsawang in 2001. He warned that the Nottingham business was also at risk, and urged customers to visit and show support.
He said: "The small family run businesses need your help during these uncertain times. Every other week you see another restaurant business close. We're not the first and we definitely aren't going to be the last.
"We would like to thank all of our loyal customers who have become great friends, our lovely neighbours and the brilliant staff at Sainsbury's, and we wish you all the best of luck. I am sad to see this chapter of my restaurant journey end but I am also excited for the next challenge.
"I have learnt a lot from this place."
The Lobster Pot will be open for the last time in Beeston today from 5pm until 10pm. The restaurant has been described as a haven for seafood lovers and in 2022 it won Channel 4's Come Dine with Me: The Professionals. The Nottingham location is also open from 5pm to 10pm, or 9pm on Sundays, everyday except Mondays when it is closed.