21/05/2026
A final message from myself, Jack Locke, owner and director of Octopus Restaurant & Bar.
The last six months have been some of the hardest times of my life, and unfortunately it’s now the building is fully cleared, emptied, and Octopus will no longer be reopening or trading again.
I honestly don’t think words can explain how heartbroken I am. This place was never just a business to me , it was my dream, my passion, and something I poured absolutely everything into. Every bit of energy, time, stress, sacrifice, and love I had went into trying to make it work.
To everybody who supported us, visited us, worked with us, believed in us, shared our posts, recommended us, or simply walked through our doors — thank you from the bottom of my heart. The messages over the last few weeks have genuinely meant the world to me, and I will never forget the kindness people have shown.
Sadly, the reality is that the economics of the town, the constant rise in utilities and overheads, alongside personal health and family circumstances, all slowly became too much to overcome, i ran out of money alot quicker than i thought i would , begged and borrowed but Sometimes no matter how hard you fight, things just don’t go the way you hoped they would.
One thing nobody can ever say is that I didn’t try. I gave this everything I had. I stayed hopeful for as long as I possibly could because I truly loved what Octopus was and what it could have become.
I’m devastated that this chapter has ended this way, and I know many people will be disappointed alongside me. But I’m also incredibly grateful — grateful for every customer, every member of staff, every laugh, every busy night, every quiet conversation at the bar, and every memory made inside those walls.
Thank you for being part of the journey with me.
No hard feelings. Just sadness, gratitude, and pride that I made my grandma so proud by giving my dream everything I had.
On to the next chapter.
