A POPULAR town centre restaurant and bar has had to close its doors following a difficult period since the start of the pandemic.

Beach and Barnicott on South Street has closed down, with it owners making the difficult decision and thanking everyone who has supported the restaurant.

The owners at the time of closing, Peter and Chanie Ravenscroft, had operated the venue for four years.

They cited the Covid-19 lockdowns and restrictions, along with changes to the amount of footfall has seen in recent times.

Mr and Mrs Ravenscroft said: "It is with massive regret that we have to announce that after 4 years at the Beach & Barnicott we are closing the venue.

"With Covid rumbling on for the last 18 months, and changes in trading patterns and footfall, things have changed. And sometimes the hardest and bravest thing to do is to know when to stop and do the best for the business and our little family. Now is that time.

"I’m sorry that the Beach and Barnicott has closed on our watch. The excitement and hope that we felt when we took over in August 2017 was huge, and I’m sorry that we couldn’t make it work.

"Thank you to everyone who supported us in our time there, it’s been a blast!"

The history of the restaurant, located in a Grade II listed building goes back to the 18th century - from 1766 to 1834 there was a pharmacy called Beach and Barnicott on East Street.

Going forward the management team will continue to serve food - pizza, burgers and tapas - from the smaller venue of the Number 10 Café and Bar on East Street.