A popular tapas restaurant chain based in Kent has closed one of its branches.

The Rico Sabor eatery based at the St James retail and leisure park in Dover has been served with a notice to leave the premises.

It was launched by Julian Ramirez and wife Marcella, following the success of its restaurants in Gravesend and Rochester. They also have an eatery in Greenwich, south east London.

The tapas restaurant, which opened in 2021, was equipped with a heated roof terrace and cocktail lounge.

Notices on the door of the site show the owners have been served with a forfeiture notice following its sudden closure.

A forfeiture of the lease means the landlord claims back the property and terminates the lease of the tenant.

Possession of the premises was taken on Thursday by London-firm Legal and General Assurance Ltd, which is listed as the leasehold owner.

The notice states: "If the goods are not removed from the premises by 5pm on March 16, it is the intention of the involuntary bailee to sell the same or otherwise dispose of them in an appropriate manner without further notice.

"Any costs incurred by the involuntary bailee in storing or selling the goods will be deducted from the sale proceeds."

Details of why the branch was served the notice are not known.

KentOnline has attempted to contact the owners of Rico Sabor for comment.