The award-winning FishWorks restaurant chain has been forced to suspend its shares.

Restaurant and fishmongers FishWorks has had its shares suspended from the Alternative Investment Market (AIM) pending clarification of its financial position.

A statement today (7 January) from Fishworks said: “The Company announces that it has continued to experience the challenging market conditions referred to in its announcement of 28 November 2008.”

“As a result, and following discussions with its bank, FishWorks announces that it has requested a suspension, with immediate effect, of trading of its shares on AIM, pending clarification of the Company’s financial position and strategic options.”

In November, FishWorks revealed a loss of £5.5m in the year ended 31 July 2008. At the time the company said it expected cost-cutting procedures implemented at the group to improve its future performance.

Fishworks is a specialist fish restaurant chain with several award-winning FishWorks venues spread across the south of England, including Bath, Marylebone and Chiswick.

It also runs cookery schools in Bristol, Christchurch, and Richmond, and offers a home delivery service offering fresh fish delivered overnight from Brixham.

For more information, visit: www.fishworks.co.uk