A couple who spent 22 years building up their restaurant have decided to call last orders, but new owners will keep the popular eatery alive.

Handover - restaurant owners Margaret and Les Slassor with new owner Martin Traylor and business partner Nina Chopping Picture: ROBIN WOOSEY

Margaret and Les Slassor opened the landmark restaurant in Eastern Esplanade, Southend, in 1982, and it is still going strong.

Mrs Slassor, 59, said: "It has always been hard work. It never got any easier, even after all this time. And you get slower as you get older.

"Having said that it was very hard to give the business up. We both really miss it."

Published Wednesday May 26, 2004

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