A much-loved restaurant is set to shut following 12 years in a busy Kent seaside town.

The Ambrette on Margate seafront has today announced the shock news that it is due to close next Sunday.

Dev Biswal, who owns the restaurant with his wife Emma, says he decided to shut the premises on April 3 following "more than 10 successful years", after losing loved ones during the pandemic.

“My priority has shifted to finding a work life balance and being with family," he said.

"Covid has made us all realise what’s important. I lost close family members during the Covid period and I could not go to see them due to work pressure.

“I would like to consolidate and focus on one unit and hope my regulars from Thanet will make it a special occasion to dine with me in Canterbury.”

In a post on its website, the restaurant thanked customers for their support.

The owners have told KentOnline that "most" staff have been offered to continue at The Ambrette's sites in Canterbury and Ashford.

For those for whom this is not a suitable option, the restaurant is "working with our partners in Thanet for them to be taken on in local positions".

They add that any outstanding gift vouchers not used at the restaurant before April 3 can still be used at its sister site in Canterbury.

As well as their Margate and Canterbury restaurants, the Biswals opened a takeaway named Ambrette Kitchen in Ashford during the pandemic.

Mr Biswal was a partner at The Indian Princess in King Street, Margate, before becoming the owner and rebranding it as The Ambrette in 2010.

In 2018 the restaurant then moved to its current, larger premises directly opposite The Turner Art Gallery on Fort Hill, which was previously home to the Hoy pub.

The Ambrette has scooped numerous accolades over the years, and in 2019 Mr Biswal was named Asian Chef of the Year at the annual Asian Restaurant Awards.