Damien Hirst to close Ilfracombe restaurant the Quay

Artist’s restaurant and nearby 20-metre statue have helped draw visitors to seaside town

Damien Hirst is to shut down his quayside restaurant close to one of his most striking pieces of artwork, the imposing bronze statue Verity, in north Devon.

Hirst’s restaurant, the Quay, in Ilfracombe, has become popular with visitors who make the pilgrimage to view the 20-metre statue, which includes a glimpse of a developing foetus in the figure’s womb.