Bugsy's Ice 'n’ Bowl in Canterbury has shut down with the loss of about 20 jobs.

The site in St George’s Place, which is owned by Aldi and leased to the tenpin bowling and ice rink operator, has a bailiff’s notice on the door.

The Canterbury centre closed last Monday, but the company’s separate bowling centre in Margate is unaffected.

A message to customers on the website states “due to circumstances beyond our control, we regret that Bugsy’s Ice 'n’ Bowl is no longer trading. We thank our loyal customers for their past support”.

One of Bugsy’s directors, Hannah Plewis, said: “Although these are difficult financial times, the business was viable and we were getting a lot of bookings.

“We set it up at immense personal cost of around £700,000 and it is very upsetting.”

Mrs Plewis said the directors were consulting their lawyers but she did not expect the centre to reopen.

It is a double blow for the leisure and tourism industry in Canterbury following the recent closure of Planet Lazer opposite.

Dawn Hudd, the council’s deputy head of culture and enterprise, said: “The loss of any leisure provision in the city is a great shame, but this industry is very market driven and the closure of Bugsy’s is a sad indication of the current financial times.

“The council is always looking at for ways to improve leisure opportunities in the city and encourage commercial operators.”

Aldi was not available for comment.