The Corney Reach eatery will soon shut its doors

The popular local restaurant with the riverside location, Pissarro, is to close on January 5th.

Restaurateur James Hallet said they had been very moved by the number of local people and regulars who had come in to say how sorry they were to see the demise of the Corney Reach eatery.

"The local people have responded to the news in an amazing way and we hope to go out on a high with various parties and events", he said.

The view of the river from Pissarro

It is understood that the landlord has purchased the remainder of the 25-year lease, and it is uncertain whether it will remain as a restaurant in future.

James and his father Anthony have been involved with Pissarro for a number of years. The restaurant, which was named in honour of the 'Father of French Impressionism', Camille Pissarro (who painted many local scenes in the 1890s), opened in the late 1990s when it was owned by local investors. The restaurant has had a chequered history, with several different owners over the years and even a closure some years ago following a fire.

It has attracted a loyal following, including some well-known local celebrities ranging from Timothy Dalton, Trevor Nunn and Trevor Mc Donald.

The interior of the restaurant

Pissarro was also very involved with the local community in Corney Reach, from the RNLI to Chiswick Pier events and was a centre for riverside activities during the Queen's Diamond Jubilee and for the Great River Swim. The all-weather Conservatory was a popular spot for people-watching and the restaurant also had a regular visitor from Oscar, a local cat. It also hosted art exhibitions and Charity Cook Offs.

Its riverside location made it a popular venue for summer weddings and birthday celebrations.

James added that the staff had been "amazing" and would all stay until the last day of trading.

November 22, 2013