A bakery and cafe chain has unexpectedly shut its final branch in the county.

Patisserie Valerie in Fremlin Walk, Maidstone has a sign in the window informing customers of the closure.

It goes on to say: “We would like to take this time to take this opportunity to thank you for your support over the years, and we look forward to returning to Maidstone as soon as possible.”

Orders can still be placed online for home delivery and many Sainsbury’s stores across the county sell a range of their products.

The Belgian patisserie chain served coffee, light meals and an assortment of pastries and cakes.

It also often promoted afternoon tea deals on marketplace websites including Groupon and Buyagift.

Patisserie Valerie once had almost 200 stores across the UK, employing around 3,000 staff, but has shut more than 170 branches after collapsing into administration in 2019.

At the beginning of last year, KentOnline reported how Patisserie Valerie had closed its cafe in Canterbury High Street.

The closure meant the only branch left in Kent was in Maidstone.

Many users have taken to Facebook to express their shock at Fremlin Walk branch shutting.

One said: “We were going for my sister's birthday on Monday – got there and it was closed with a sign.”

Another added: “Well that sucks, I’ve got Red Letter afternoon tea for four people booked.”

One pointed out: “Oh no, it was open at the weekend, like Quiz across the way just suddenly shut.”

The clothing retailer, which had been located just a few units down from the bakery in Fremlin Walk, closed last week.

It came after Quiz shut 23 stores which were deemed “loss-making or unsustainable” after the brand tumbled into insolvency.

The two losses at the shopping complex come after it was sold to the Frasers Group in October of last year for £25m.

The new owners have been approached for comment.