The family behind the hugely popular Muddy Beach Cafe in Penryn have revealed they are selling up after six successful years.

The cafe lease goes on the market today (Wednesday) with Miller Commercial, although the owners have said they will continue running it until the right people can be found to take it over.

It will be six years in January that managing director Christian Dann took over the business with his parents, Phil and Lisa.

Christian said: "We are not selling the business due to any other reason other than a change.

"It's not sad, it’s exciting! We feel as a family it’s the best thing as, after the past two years, coronavirus has made us re-evaluate our lives.

"I want my parents to enjoy retirement, they’ve both worked so hard in life and it’s time for them to enjoy life.

"As for me, I have no idea what career path I will go down but I plan to stick with what I enjoy – people."

Muddy Beach has been a family business right from the outset, run by Christian and his parents Phil and Lisa, whose family, the Barnicoats, opened the very first fish and chip shop in Penryn.

n The lease of Muddy Beach Cafe is going up with Miller Commercial

n The lease of Muddy Beach Cafe is going up with Miller Commercial

Before Muddy Beach, Christian had worked the front of house for some of the most successful restaurants in the area, and when the opportunity arose to take on the lease for what was the popular ‘Miss Peapods’ café on Jubilee Wharf, the whole family jumped at the chance.

The name Muddy Beach comes from the local nickname for the beach opposite the café, which is popular with wildlife and wading birds.

Christian stressed that it will remain business as usual until the new owners are found, and that the Muddy Beach brand will pass over to them, as well as the staff.

"It will continue until we find the right owners. If it takes a year or so to find the right people that's fine," he added.

Christian said it had been a "fantastic six years", adding: "We as a family have loved being here, we just feel it’s time to move on and do something different. What that will be we don’t know yet.

"I want to say a huge thank you to all our amazing regulars who have supported us.

"I will of course miss Muddy a huge amount and all the incredible customers that visit us daily, and the best staff to help me run it, but its time for me and the family to do something completely different – watch this space!"