A high street restaurant has suddenly shut its doors.

The announcement from the team at Whitstable's Around the Clock has been met with shock by former diners, who say the coastal town will not be the same without it.

The eatery opposite Mountain Warehouse opened during the coronavirus pandemic in 2020 and was famed for offering breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner, while trading seven-days-a-week.

Now, owners Debbie and Diccon Payn have made the decision to call it a day after the venture became unviable.

A statement on their Facebook reads: "It is with sadness that we must tell you that Around The Clock has closed.

"Unfortunately it has been unviable to continue.

"We would like to thank all our lovely customers that have visited us over the last four years - some who came as customers and became friends.

"We would also like to thank the amazing staff past and present who have worked hard to keep the customers fed and watered - [plus] our entertainers, music and karaoke who have appeared at ATC over the years.

"We have had a fun time too. We will miss it dearly."

Around the Clock replaced the Mexican-inspired restaurant Dirties, which opened in June 2018, but then closed its shutters less than two years later.

The premises had also been home to the town's NatWest bank branch for several years previously.

Following its closure on Wednesday, November 6, the restaurant, which received a five-star hygiene rating as recently as March this year, has received several messages of support from gutted customers.

One, Robert Lukins, said: "Sorry to here this. We enjoyed coming in for lunch when we were in Whitstable.

"You will be sadly missed [so] good luck to you and all your staff [who] always made us welcome when we came in."

Meanwhile, Mandy Reynolds-Scott, added: "I am so sad to read this - another unique independent venue having to shut its doors.

"It’s a huge loss to Whitstable and for me personally as I have enjoyed performing for you. My most recent gig was another good night."