An award-winning bar and restaurant has announced it will be closing this weekend.

The popular Googies Art Cafe in Folkestone town centre is shutting its doors for the final time on Saturday, with customers saying the town "won't be the same" without it.

The owners have cited a "down turn in business" along with "personal family issues" as the reasons behind the announcement.

The venue in Rendezvous Street has been at the forefront of the town's 'foodie revolution' since opening eight years ago.

The bar will be open for the last time on Saturday and the venue's owners have invited customers to come down for one last drink before calling time at the bar.

In a statement, owners Keith Holland and Steve Rees said: "To all our customers, we would like to thank you for supporting us over the last 8 years.

"But the time has come for us to close our doors for the last time.

"Varying reasons including down turn in business and personal family issues.

"We will be opening our doors for the bar only Saturday evening for a farewell drink and look forward to seeing you if you can make it."

The restaurant recently was shortlisted for the National Burger Awards and went to the finals in London in February.

The Essential Kent Burger went up against 15 other burgers in the live final.

It used ingredients celebrating the best of Kentish produce including Dexter beef from Sladden Farm in the Alkham Valley, Canterbury cobble cheese and smoked bacon from CA Worgans butchers in Canterbury.

In 2016, the eatery and bar was named Kent restaurant of the year at the Taste of Kent awards.

Customers left comments on the restaurant's Facebook page.

Sarah Beinart said: "No, that’s terrible news. We’ve loved Googies from before we moved here 6 years ago. Very sad."

Beth Alexander wrote: "Oh no, sorry to see you go. Best of luck with future ventures."

Britony English said: "You raised the bar, thank you for some great evenings all the best for the future."

Chris Smith added: "Genuinely sorry for you guys. That must've been the toughest of all calls. I agree with all the folk here when they say the town simply won't be as good without your presence. All the luck in all you do in the future."

Linda Hicks said: "Googies has been central in creating a foody hub in Folkestone and will be missed. We will certainly pop in over the weekend and wish you well."

Ian Bowden said: "Sorry to hear this and congratulations for running the business for as long as you have. My girlfriend eats eggs Benedict everywhere she goes and said yours was the best she has had."