A popular Falmouth seafood restaurant with a five-star rating on Tripadvisor has announced that it is set to close for a while later this year - but has vowed to return.  

The Wheelhouse Crab and Oyster Bar, Falmouth made a post on its Facebook page, revealing the news.

A statement from owner Tina Hopton reads: "Beloved Wheelers. It is with one part sorrow and two parts joy that I write this message to you.

"I am closing the restaurant on May 28 in order to take stock and spend more time with the people I love most.

"I am hoping to return in the wintertime - when the oysters are fat and the nights are dark. Please watch this space for Feast Nights and Seasonal Cheer.

"I want to give a most heartfelt thank you to all who have sailed in this wonderful ship. What a truly beautiful journey it has been.

"All my love and yours sincerely, Teen and gang."

Falmouth Packet: The restaurant has a strong following from seafood loversThe restaurant has a strong following from seafood lovers

The news that the restaurant was closing for a while has been met by a surge of bookings from customers who are clearly eager to grab a taste of their well-renowned meals while the ycan. 

The statement continued: "Currently we only have mid-week tables from 2nd of March- weekend tables are literally FLYING out, sorry."

The restaurant specialises in daily fresh caught shellfish which has been enjoyed by many over the years.

The Facebook post was met with an array of support for the restaurant and its owner, with one commenter rating it as "the best restaurant in the whole world!"

Read next: Mystery Diner at the Wheelhouse Falmouth

You can book a table at the restaurant here: https://www.sevenrooms.com/reservations/thewheelhouse?fbclid=IwAR1NxTMBUtxXTfz2_P6cV2BLfcciwJy9frOzV88msGukBj0atxfqbc0NTAw

The Packet has contacted the restaurant for more information regarding its plans.