A POPULAR pizzeria is closing its doors for good this month, but its owners have promised it will return in a different location.

Brothers-in-law Tom Long and Tom Bell opened Cowabunga Pizza, in Yorick Road, West Mersea, just over two-years-ago.

However, the business will close as of Sunday, following a dispute with the premises' landlord.

The news was announced in a post on the restaurant's Facebook page.

It said: "Never in a million years did we think we'd be here writing this tonight, but we will be closing the doors to Cowabunga for one last time on Sunday.

"You'll know by now our tenancy came to an end in September and we've been battling this since the summer.

"We've tried every which way to stay and even with the law on our side, it takes a significant amount of money and emotional energy to fight this fight."

The business had gone from strength to strength during lockdown, celebrating two years in business and branching out to create DIY kits for children to craft their own signature dishes.

Mr Long and Mr Bell said they are looking to reopen the restaurant and takeaway elsewhere as soon as possible.

They said: "We WILL be back. We don't quite know when or where yet but what we need from you right now is to spread the word about our last day as far and wide as you possibly can so we can ensure you all get to enjoy one last pizza for the time being.

"You've been warned and you have just over a week. 2020 you really have done a number on us all. Peace out pizza fans."

Visit facebook.com/cowabungapizzashop for updates.