A popular high street bakery and cafe has closed its doors after more than 10 years.

Canterbury’s Patisserie Valerie, located on the corner of High Street and Best Lane, has shut permanently.

A sign in the shop’s window says the store closed this month, but does not explain why.

Though a popular spot for coffee and cake, the cafe faced competition from other delicatessens in Canterbury’s city centre such the long-cherished Cafe St Piere on St Peters Street and the newly opened Cornish Bakery on The Parade.

The closure means the nearest Patisserie Valerie can now be found in Maidstone.

It is the last remaining one in Kent following the closure of the Ashford Designer Outlet branch last year.

Patisserie Valerie has been approached for a comment.