The owner of a popular tapas bar has blamed the closure of his business on the council, accusing it of “neglect” over the “upkeep” of its historical home.

Gravesend’s Rico Sabor, which is in a Grade-II listed building by the market, was re-entered by the landlord Kent County Council on Monday, April 17, just weeks after the eatery’s founder, Julian Ramirez, defended his franchise after a poor hygiene rating.

Since being slapped with the notice Mr Ramirez, who also owns Rico Sabor in Rochester, has released a statement saying his landlord “failed to upkeep the maintenance of the building”.

But KCC has fought back and says the allegations are false and legal action is being taken.

Mr Ramirez had accused the authortity of “neglect” saying: “This historical Building, The Old Town Hall, is no longer a suitable place for us to deliver the quality of food and service which our customers deserve.

“We have fought to maintain our level of service despite, many maintenance and infrastructure issues which this building currently faces, including gas and heating.

“The kitchen in this building is also no longer fit for purpose or suitable for the quality that we want to deliver.

“The landlords have failed to upkeep the maintenance of this building and by neglect have made way for another independent business to close in this town.”

A KCC spokesman said: "The failure of the landlord to maintain the building as the reason for the closure of the restaurant is incorrect.

“The bailiff’s notice attached to the building speaks for itself. We cannot comment any further since there has been legal action taken by the council.”

Last week a letter stuck to the window on the front door of the business from County Enforcement Limited read: “We as authorised agents of the landlord have re-entered the premises demised by the said lease and the said lease is thereby determined absolutely.

“Proceedings civil and or criminal will be taken against any party who has entered/or attempts to enter the premises without our prior consent in writing.”

This is the third Rico Sabor that’s been forced to close this year.

In October 2021, Mr Ramirez opened a Rico Sabor in Dover with a heated roof terrace and cocktail lounge at the St James' retail and leisure park.

However, in February it had to shut after it was served with a notice to leave the premises.

Mr Ramirez opened his Rochester High Street restaurant in 2019, three years after he opened his first Rico Sabor in Gravesend.

In 2022, he branched out with a Mexican eatery, Mexicano, which opened in Rochester just a few doors away from his other business.

However, last month it too was repossessed by the landlord.

Last month, Mr Ramirez’s Rico Sabor Gravesend branch, the first restaurant he opened as a young chef, received a one-star food hygiene rating by Gravesham council.

It scored low marks after the inspector found out-of-date chicken and seafood, broken lights and a roof leak which was causing water to pool in the kitchen.

Continuing his statement, Mr Ramirez said: “The team at Rico Sabor would like to say a big thank you to all our loyal customers here in Gravesend.

“We have welcomed so many lovely people throughout the years, which have chosen Rico Sabor as their favourite spot for family meals, dinner dates, birthdays, work do’s, anniversaries and even marriage proposals! It has been an absolute pleasure to serve this town and its people.

“Gravesend will always hold a special place in the making of Rico Sabor, as it was in this town that the restaurant first started.

“The good news is that we are still fairly local, only a 20-minute drive away in the historical town of Rochester.

“We look forward to giving you a warm welcome in a beautiful venue and serving delicious food from a 5-star-rated kitchen.

“We will be contacting our Gravesend customers and sending you a special token of our appreciation, which can be enjoyed in our Rochester restaurant.”