An award winning Bermudian restaurant which closed its doors on Sunday night, is to be given a new lease of life.

The Royal Gazette can reveal that the Halfway House is about to be taken over by new management, and could be developed into a waterfront restaurant with outdoor dining.

Residents in Flatts were worried that without their local restaurant, there may be no meeting place in the village.

On Sunday manager Erroll Burgess served his last supper after running the business for six years.

But last night it was revealed that negotiations were underway for the restaurant to be taken over by new management.

Toppy Cowen, co-chairman of the Flatts Development Committee, said that they hoped the new development would breathe new life into the village.

"As I understand it, there will be somebody else taking over shortly. There might be some great move coming down the pipeline.

"It is in a great place -- as the name says -- half way between St. George's and Hamilton.

"What we hope is to see out door dining, al fresco. There could be new and exciting things coming here.'' Mr. Burgess last night confirmed that there were negotiations underway for a new management to take over.

Mr. Burgess modernised the restaurant after taking it over six years ago. He transformed the premises which had been on the site for fifty years into a modern diner.

His award winning food - including many cod and seafood dishes - brought in visitors and Bermudians from the length and breadth of the Island.

The restaurant, which took several Best of Bermuda Gold awards, was well known for excellent food at reasonable prices.

The awards were for best burger and best local fare. Last year the restaurant won the best cod dish.

But Mr. Burgess hung up his apron after working 18 hour days, saying he needed a break.

"It is time for me to take some time out. The lease was up at the end of the month, and I decided not to renew it,'' said Mr. Burgess yesterday as he shut up shop.

He thanked his many regular customers for their loyalty over the years and said he was going to miss them and the restaurant.

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