Mills drops offer for seaside fish cafe

Heather Mills has apparently managed to secure a seaside fish cafe for £140,000 rather than her original offer of £255,000.

The Sunday Mirror reports that Mills reduced the amount she was willing to pay following the crash in property prices.

Mills, who divorced Sir Paul McCartney last May, now owns the seafront Big Fish Cafe in Hove, East Sussex. However, fish and all other animal products will be replaced as the cafe turns vegan. The restaurant's current staff have also been laid off while refurbishment is carried out.

Former owner Nick Short said he had been "worked" by Mills, explaining: "I went to see her at her home and we made a verbal agreement for £255,000. That was later agreed in writing. The arrangement changed in November.

"I got a letter from her lawyer saying the price had dropped to £140,000. It blamed the credit crunch and the 'current economic climate'."

The eatery is believed to be the first of a chain of vegan cafes Heather is planning to open worldwide. A spokesman for Mills said she was excited by her acquisition.

"She has been a local resident for nearly ten years and is looking forward to giving the cafe a much-needed renovation," he said.

"Heather has wanted to buy the cafe for many years to create a fun place serving great tasting, healthy plant-based foods for kids, their families and the locals."