POPULAR restaurant The Three Buoys, at Appley in Ryde, has closed its doors.

Business owner Tim Foster said The Three Buoys came to a natural end at the location and he would, for now, be concentrating on family business The Taverners in Godshill, which is run by wife Emma.

Speaking to the County Press, Tim said: "I had The Three Buoys for seven years but that dream has come to an end.

"Now we are the strongest team possible, myself and Emma, both concentrating our efforts on The Taverners to make it the best it can be.

"We have a good running start thanks to the strong reputation of the place.

"We have head chef Damian Kowalski, a former Three Buoys head chef, back on the team, so it's a nice bit of collaboration.

"Of course these are challenging times due to coronavirus restrictions but we are finding that table service really works to our advantage and gives us an opportunity for change, and better interaction with the customers.

"The Eat Out scheme has kept us busy at the the start of the week but it hasn't impacted on those Friday and Saturday nights — it is good to see people are still booking for the weekends too.

"I am keeping The Three Buoys brand alive for future possibilities so look out for special Three Buoys nights out at The Taveners, possibilities out on the road, pop-ups, etc.

"Customers adored the place so we will keep the brand going."

Emma and Tim have moved in above the Taverners with their three sons — the three boys who inspired the name seven years ago.

The Taverners is open all year round, all day, every day.