A village restaurant will close its doors this weekend after its owners opted to focus efforts on other venues in their group.

The Wife of Bath, a dining destination with rooms on Upper Bridge Street in Wye, near Ashford, has been part of the wider Rocksalt group for six years and has been praised for its chic bedrooms and stylishly-understated dining room.

Announcing to the public that tomorrow will be the last day of trading, management said the decision has been taken so as to prioritise other venues in the chain.

It is not yet known if new owners have been lined up and if the restaurant will reopen under new leadership.

A statement posted to the restaurant's Facebook page says: "After six wonderful years running The Wife of Bath, we have made the difficult decision to cease trading at the restaurant and rooms.

"Selling the business in Wye means the Rocksalt Group can focus its attention on its core collection of restaurants, pubs and bars in Folkestone and its Pickled Egg Pub Company chain.

"We have loved sharing the best local produce with so many loyal customers at The Wife of Bath over the years and thank you all wholeheartedly for your support.

"Business is business and clearly the numbers don't add up..."

"Now, we’re pleased to pass the opportunity on to a new team to continue the restaurant’s much-loved Kent heritage."

Customers with existing bookings are advised that they will be contacted to arrange alternative options at other venues within the former owner's portfolio across the county.

"This is such a shame," one disappointed customer replied on Facebook.

"Having such an excellent restaurant in the village with wonderful and inventive food and such great personal service has been an honour.

"However, business is business and clearly the numbers don't add up. We'll miss you."

Businesses across the country are fearful of a tough winter as soaring energy bills hit both households and traders alike.

Pubs, restaurants and music venue leaders have warned the government there will be mass closures without urgent support.

Industry bodies have written to prime minister Boris Johnson, the chancellor Nadhim Zahawi and business secretary Kwasi Kwarteng warning that thousands of jobs are at "grave risk" amid a worsening economic outlook.