An upmarket food shop and restaurant has closed suddenly with bosses blaming the cost of living crisis for having to scale back operations.

Macknade in Ashford's Elwick Place has shut with "immediate effect" and announced the news with a statement on the shop's window.

It comes after the town centre site dramatically reduced in size last month when bosses closed the shop aspect of the business to focus on running the restaurant.

However the whole site is now closed with bosses saying "the last three years have been tough".

The sign in the window explains: "It is with great sadness we have to share the news that Serviced Retail Ltd, trading as Macknade Ashford, has ceased trading with immediate effect.

"We are so sorry for what seems such a sudden position; however, we have had to evaluate where we are economically, and to face the reality of what we feel is ahead.

"Despite all the effort put in, we do not see a path that allows us to continue to trade through the months ahead.

"The loss of our team and the closure of such a vibrant space is devastating, but it is the only course of action open to us, to limit impacts more broadly.

"Our aim has always been to make Ashford proud, showcase incredible produce, create meaningful jobs and provide a hub for everyone to enjoy what it is to live in this wonderful and ever blossoming corner of the county.

"Macknade's mission is to create everyone's favourite place, and we are only sorry we could not continue to do that in Ashford.

"We cannot deny that the last three years have been tough, as we navigated Covid and now the cost-of-living crisis, so we want to thank you, our loyal community, for your love and support.

"Without you, our team and our suppliers, Macknade wouldn't be so special, which makes this so much harder.

"We believe that quality, local businesses are at the heart of the future.

"Please tell us what we can do to help you and to make your experiences better, and together, as a community, we will work through the months ahead.

"Macknade Fine Foods Ltd, trading as Macknade Faversham, is still very much open and we hope to see as many of you as we can in the weeks and months ahead.Thank you again for your support."

The business opened in the £75 million leisure complex shortly before lockdown in 2020 taking over the unit previously used by Ashford International Model Railway Education Centre.

MP Damian Green said he was disappointed over the news: “I’m shocked by the closure of Macknade.

“I enjoyed going there and thought it was a great addition to the town centre and I had no indication this was going to happen.

"I do think it’s a blow to the town centre, it was one of the destinations that brought people in.

“If anything is going to replace it, I like the idea of food shops that sell local produce.

“That’s what the town centre needs, something you can’t get elsewhere.”

In June, Macknade announced plans to open a new 120-seat restaurant and food shop on Folkestone's Harbour Arm, however the plans were later put on pause.

The branch in Faversham will remain open as usual.