A TOP-rated Dorset restaurant has closed just months after moving to Iwerne Minster in May.

The Wild Garlic was opened by MasterChef 2009 winner Mat Follas in Beaminster that same year, and received rave reviews from critics, including two of the highest ever ratings in The Telegraph (9/10) and The Guardian (9.5/10), two AA rosettes and recommendations in The Good Food Guide, The Michelin Guide and Trencherman's Guide.

In April, Mr Follas said he was relocating the restaurant to The Talbot in the north Dorset village of Iwerne Minster, where there was more space for diners.

However, on Twitter yesterday the New Zealand-born chef announced the restaurant's closure.

He tweeted: “I'm frustrated and deeply saddened to announce the closure for the foreseeable future.

“Thanks for messages, lots of sorting out to be done, my pockets weren't deep enough sadly although we are still in discussions with partners.”

A message on the restaurant's website says: “More information on the closure will be posted here as soon as we have it.”