Ask Italian in Maidstone has closed for good, as coronavirus continues to take a toll on the hospitality sector.

The Azzurri Group, which, as well as the Italian eatery, owns Zizzi and Coco di Mama is to close around 75 restaurants in its estate, with a loss of more than 1,000 jobs.

It was sold out of administration in July, and 225 of its restaurants will continue to trade, it has been confirmed.

However, the Earl Street establishment has not made the cut.

In an email to customers, the chain said: "The Covid-19 crisis has hit the restaurant sector hard and we’ve had to make some incredibly difficult decisions. It is with deep sadness that we confirm ASK Italian Maidstone is now closed.

"We've had to make some incredibly difficult decisions..."

"We’d like to thank you for your regular custom and let you know that ASK Italian Bluewater is now your closest restaurant."

Across Kent and before the pandemic, there were Ask Italian chains in Canterbury, Faversham, Broadstairs and Tunbridge Wells.

The fate of these restaurants is not yet known.

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