Popular city restaurant Deeson’s has closed its doors after nine years in Canterbury and says a proliferation of large chains has played a part in its demise.

The Sun Street eatery – which specialises in British dishes – shut today, posting the sad news on social media.

It said: “We are very sorry to announce that we have been left with no choice but to close Deeson’s with immediate effect.

“The cost of running a restaurant such as Deeson’s in the current financial climate has proven just too much.

“Passion, unfortunately, does not pay the bills.”

Owner Sam Deeson says the restaurant’s “bottom line has been squeezed” by a number of factors, including food and drink licences being given to large chains.

“Let’s just say that the current climate, increasing labour and food costs, spiralling rent and rates and the extra A3 licences being given to the large chains by the council has meant that the bottom line has been squeezed to such an extent there is nothing left,” he said.

“Restaurants such as Deeson’s are very expensive to run and unfortunately passion doesn’t pay the bills.

“We do, however, want to thank all our loyal customers and especially want to thank all the fantastic staff that have worked with us over the years.”

Deeson’s was one of just five Canterbury restaurants to be listed in the Michelin Guide.

It served an array of British dishes, including slow cooked shin of beef Ragu, pan fried Scottish trout and crispy pork belly.

Mr Deeson also owns Pork & Co. in Sun Street.