The owner of a popular takeaway in Porthleven has said he felt 'moved' by the public's reaction after he announced he was selling the business. 

Jason Bardell, owner of strEATkicthen (otherwise known as Big Eats) in Porthleven has announced that he has made the difficult decision to sell the restaurant due to ongoing health issues.

The father of four wanted a better ‘health balance’ and will now continue to focus on his family-run festival catering business of 11 years.

Falmouth Packet: Big Eats owner, Jason Bardell Big Eats owner, Jason Bardell (Image: Big Eats Facebook)

Since beginning the catering business 11 years ago, Jason and his four children have served customers at some of the biggest festivals in Cornwall and the UK including Glastonbury, Boardmasters and The Great Estate Festival to name a few.

The restaurant is housed in the original Hub Bux container once based on Lemon Quay in Truro. After Hub Box left, the container was used by another company before Jason discovered it had been left in a field. He said: "I found out it had been left in a field in Newquay, we brought it back to Porthleven.

“We are pleased with what we have created since then and it is now fully equipped and ready to go.

“There’s still potential for growth.”

Popular for its range of burgers, loaded fries and nachos, Big Eats was a popular choice amongst locals in Porthleven and beyond especially with the restaurant being open throughout the summer and winter months.

Falmouth Packet: The container was once used by Hub Box on Lemon Quay in Truro The container was once used by Hub Box on Lemon Quay in Truro (Image: Big Eats Facebook)

Jason said he is working alongside another Porthleven-based company to find a buyer who will continue to serve ‘local, honest and good value for money food’.

Since the announcement, Jason told the Packet that he felt ‘moved’ by the reaction from the public. He said: “I am moved. I have been chatting to so many people since it came out.

“The post has been shared nearly 3,000 times, even on the Porthleven People page. People said they were ‘gutted’.

“I have had lots of private messages from people as well.

“It’s heartwarming to know we have done a good job.”