Fish Hoek restauran could close after change of ownership

Fish fans far and wide will be saddened by the news that the popular Chiswick restaurant Fish Hoek looks set to close for good.

Pete Gottgens, a Chiswick restaurateur for the past 11 years said, “Having received loads of excellent write-up's and been nominated as one of the top 10 seafood restaurants in the UK for the last 3 years, we have now decided to move on.” The restaurant closed its doors on 15th August.

Fish Hoek was the third restaurant started by Gottgens in the area after Springbok Cafe and Dumela. All of them had a South African theme. Fish Hoek itself was always highly rated by site members' in the on-line restaurant poll.

Gottgens went on to say “I've been very privileged to have had some excellent staff over the last few years and as such strong friendships with these staff, our suppliers and customers have been formed and will I hope continue long into the future.”

He made a special mention to the Baker family (fruit stall corner of Windmill Road), Neil at Sara's stationers, the Adamou family and Rodney Macken at Macken Bros for their support over the last 11 year. He thanked his Chiswick customers and saud the area had become a 'culinary item' on the London and UK scene and that he was proud to have been part of it.

It is thought unlikely at this stage that the new owners would continue with the Fish Hoek brand. The opening of Fishworks on Turnham Green Terrace, less than 100 yards away has meant the sector has become very competitive.

August 18, 2005