PEMBROKE Dock diners and breakfast lovers will be delighted at the news that Randalls Restaurant is reopening its doors in March.

Part of the Dolphin Hotel in Pembroke Street (near the Market Hall), Randalls was a popular eating place for locals in search of a warm welcome, a relaxing ambiance and high quality, locally sourced food.

The restaurant made a “heart-breaking decision” to close right after Christmas Day after discovering that their business rates were predicted to increase threefold.

In their online announcement of closure, Nat and Ben had said : “Going from £10,000 to a whopping £33,000. We have been left with no choice but to make the heartbreaking decision to close the restaurant side of our business.

“Our successful little business has been attacked by our leaders! This is not a decision we have taken lightly, but we refuse to sink in these challenging times!

“The hardest part of this decision is the impact it has on 11 incredible members of staff, who are more than just employees to us — they are like family.”

“We are also deeply saddened that our community is losing an important hub — a place where people gathered, shared meals, celebrated milestones, and created memories. Thank you to everyone who supported us, walked through our doors, and made the restaurant such a special place over the years.”

It was just one more disappointment for a town that has learned to live with loss. But there was an avalanche of response to the news, including an offer of help from Samuel Kurtz MS. One customer summed up the feelings of many with the comment: “So so sad, we loved it every time we visited. It was always such a great atmosphere and the food was always so nice.” Another said: “We'd love to have you reopen, there’s nowhere as good as you guys this side of the water.”

Now, there’s comfort for all those saddened by the closure: On February 17, Ben and Nat issued a special announcement, via their Facebook page, that they would be reopening the restaurant!

“We honestly didn’t realise just how much our restaurant meant to so many of you — and how much you’d miss us and how much we would miss you! Your messages, support and kind words over the past few months really made us stop and think.

“So after taking some time to reflect, we’ve decided… let’s make this work — for us and for you.”

As of March 13, just in time for Mother’s Day, Randalls Restaurant will open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, offering a new menu, but the same look, welcome, and atmosphere.

“So grab your friends, bring the family, and come and enjoy your weekends with us once more.”

Randalls will be open for breakfast on Fridays and Saturdays from 8am; Sundays between 9am and 11.30am.

Evening meals will be served on Fridays and Saturdays, 6pm onwards.

And the Sunday Lunch session is from 12.30pm to 3pm.

To book, call 01646 685581.