'Difficult decision' - South Shields pizza restaurant to close a year after TV chef showed interest
A South Shields pizza restaurant to close a despite interest from TV chef Marco Pierre White just a year ago
A South Tyneside eatery renowned for delicious pizzas is to close, a year after reports that it would team up with a famous chef.
Hundreds of well wishers have sent messages to Log Fire Pizza, based at Mill Dam in South Shields, after the announcement that Saturday, August 22 would be its last day of trading.
Its owners say that “hopefully one day we will be back.”
In August 2025 the Gazette reported that TV chef Marco Pierre White would be involved with a new venture at the restaurant and that bosses were looking for more staff.
Sadly, it is now to close and becomes another victim of the struggles in the hospitality industry.
Owners say they had to make the difficult decision to stop trading, with the industry’s economic conditions proving too much to bear.
In a statement Log Fire owners Craig and Sarah Shelmerdine said: “After a lot of thought, we’ve made the difficult decision that this will be our final week of trading, and we’ll be closing our doors on Saturday.
“We’ve given it everything we’ve got, but the reality of running an independent hospitality business in the current climate has finally caught up with us.
“We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve built, from the original food truck to the Waterfront, and truly grateful to everyone who has supported us along the way.
“A huge thank you to our regulars and everyone who has visited, ordered, and shared kind words over the years — it’s meant more to us than we can properly put into words.
“Until Saturday, we’ll be open as normal, so come down, have a pizza and a pint, and help us finish the Log Fire story the way it started – with good food and good people.
“From our family, thank you for everything.
“We also wish all the other independent businesses in our town the very best – please continue to support them whenever you can.
“Hopefully one day we will be back.”
Typical of the responses on Facebook was one customer who said: “It’s not a representation on the establishment, it’s simply very tough trading conditions, lack of footfall etc. Best of luck from here onwards. Best pizzas in the UK and I’ve had a few.”