A much-loved burger joint known for its messy, bizarrely-named burgers has closed unexpectedly.

7Bone, in Burgate, Canterbury, opened in September 2021 and offered punters meals such as the Donnie J Trump and the Prince Charles is Overrated.

But in a statement released on its Instagram this morning, 7Bone confirmed the shock news that its branch near the Cathedral is shutting.

It said: "For reasons totally outside of our control, we are truly sorry to announce the closure of our Canterbury restaurant.

"We'd like to thank you all for dining with us, your support and of course thank our amazing team."

The restaurant, which currently operates 10 sites countrywide, also confirmed that it plans to be on the lookout for a new location in the city and encouraged fans to "watch this space".

After filling the gap of Byron Burgers, which departed the city due to financial struggles during the pandemic, 7Bone had become a firm favourite for students and foodies.

Reacting to the closure, fans on Instagram expressed their dismay.

"This can’t be happening," wrote Liv Loren

A user called Drumbledore said: "Oh no! One of the best burgers we had. Sorry to see you go."

While @moomin_81 wrote: "Folkestone would be a good relocation!!"

When asked back in September 2021 about 7Bone, the firm's marketing executive Joe McEvoy told KentOnline: "It’s a lovely location being next to the Cathedral and right in the heart of the city.

"We’ve had a very good start and long may it continue.

"We don’t take ourselves too seriously and it’s all a bit rough around the edges - no airs and graces.

"Don’t read too much into [the names]. It’s all just tongue-in-cheek and good fun. It’s mainly stuff that has been put together after a few beers."

Reporter Brad Harper took on the Donnie J Trump when the restaurant opened, describing the Wotsit-filled treat as the best burger he'd had in years.

Founded by entrepreneurs Matthew Mollicone and Richard Zammit in Southampton in 2013, the chain now no longer has a base in Kent.

The Canterbury closure comes less than six months after the chain closed its other Kent restaurant in Maidstone for good.

It had previously cited "staff shortages" as the reason why it unexpectedly shut up shop in the county town in July last year, a measure that was expected to be temporary at the time.