An award-winning restaurant is set to close down amid Covid pressures and staff shortages.

Bosses of The Corner House have announced that their Minster branch – which first opened nine years ago – will serve its last meal at the end of May.

The Station Road eatery’s viability is said to have been dented following the outbreak of Covid, as it was afflicted by staff shortages.

Owner Matt Sworder said: “Minster was my first restaurant and without it there would not have been a Corner House Canterbury.

“However, the last two years have severely tested the restaurant’s viability, with the staff shortages and the expansion of Canterbury, I felt it was the most responsible thing to do.”

Despite this, Mr Sworder describes the closure as a “relocation”, as all of the site's employees will have the opportunity to work at his Canterbury branch.

The city restaurant is set to open a new dining area in June which will overlook its garden and accommodate an extra 26 diners.

It will be open seven days a week for lunch and dinner, with a new menu available throughout the afternoon.

“While I’ll be saddened to close the doors of Minster for a final time, I will work with each member of them to ensure we can offer them a position in Canterbury,” Mr Sworder added.

“For guests who have purchased gift vouchers with us, rest assured these are redeemable at the Canterbury restaurant also.”

After its launch in 2013, The Corner House Minster – which serves an array of gastropub dishes – twice won the Taste of Kent Restaurant of the Year Award.

Ahead of it shutting down next month, the 17th century building's lease has been put on the market by property firm Fleurets.

The Thanet restaurant has earned a five-star rating on TripAdvisor, after being reviewed by more than 1,500 customers.

It is ranked fourth on the website’s list of the best eateries in Ramsgate, only behind Shakey Shakey Fish Bar, Il Tricolore and CCCP Restaurant in Chatham Street.