A luxury steakhouse boasting £56 chocolate-fed cuts of meat has suddenly closed its doors for good, little more than a year after opening.

Herd opened last summer amid fanfare when it took over the former home of Gourmet Burger Kitchen in Canterbury High Street.

But after just over a year of dishing out cocktails and premium steaks, the eatery has announced it is leaving the city with immediate effect.

Confirming the news via its Facebook page, bosses at the steakhouse confessed the effects of the cost-of-living crisis had become too much to bear.

“It is with great sadness we announce our closure,” it shared.

“Opening in our generation’s most difficult economic and in a post-Covid & Brexit damaged hospitality landscape was always going to be a challenge.

“The issues of rising costs and staff recruitment... combined with failed attempts to obtain much needed amended licensing as well as a year’s long legal battle to take sole control to enable adequate investment and restructuring [means] I have been left with no other options.

“Opening Herd fulfilled a lifelong dream. Thanks for your support through this difficult decision.”

Well-wishers were quick to share their disappointment at the sad news.

One customer said: “I was so sorry to hear this. You both worked so hard and delivered a top quality restaurant and bar. Your steaks were the best that I have ever had and fantastic cocktails!”

Another, describing themselves as “gutted”, added: “You quickly became our favourite restaurant locally and saved us trips to London to enjoy a similar offering of high standard. I wish we could have been helpful in visiting even more often.”

The closure continues a worrying trend in the city – and nationally – as businesses struggle to survive.

When KentOnline reviewed the steakhouse last year, our reporter admitted that while she enjoyed her food, she felt “shame-faced” at spending as much as she did on a meal for one.

Calling the steak “head and shoulders above any I've had in Canterbury”, our reviewer welcomed the arrival of Herd, stating that Canterbury had “until now been lacking a good steakhouse”.