The Octagon on Exmouth seafront has been converted into a restaurant and takeaway, meaning people can step inside for the first time since it opened in 1964.

Owner David Freer has announced 'exciting plans' ahead of the business’s re-opening on Saturday, September 28.

He has spoken to the Journal about the changes he has made over the winter months to the landmark, which has been shut since November.

Mr Freer is the third owner of The Octagon since its inception in 1964. He took over the building in 2021. The previous owner had it for 50 years.

Mr Freer said: “From day one I had the vision of converting The Octagon into a restaurant.”

The old takeaway hatch on the walkway will still offer takeaway food, hot drinks, all homemade on-site and offered to customers.

Around the back is a small bar and a 34-seater restaurant where people can sit and enjoy good homemade food with loved ones, all with a stunning view.

Mr Freer has added an extension with a new entrance.

Breakfast will be served from 8am to 11am, a lunchtime menu runs from 12 until 3pm and a dinner menu is offered from 6pm to 10pm. 

Mr Freer told the Journal: "I grew up in Exmouth, and since I was young, I used to say to my parents, 'one day that will be mine'. Some people's childhood dream is to be an astronaut or something, my dream has always been to own The Octagon. 

"I worked there for a year and have always been friendly with the second owner. Since working there I texted the owner of The Octagon if he would be willing to sell every year for two decades before finally being given the answer I had longed to hear.

"In 2020 he called me to say he was retiring and I took on my childhood dream. When I explain to people that it is going to be a restaurant, they say wow, how do you fit all that into a tiny space? But once you get inside, it's like the Tardis. You can fit in more than you think."