The owners of the Horse and Groom in Rollesby, near Great Yarmouth, have announced it is shutting its doors, blaming mounting running costs and an unexpected tax bill.

The restaurant has become the latest in a wave of closures in the hospitality sector, which has seen an average of one Norfolk pub a week call last orders since the start of the year.

Owners Sarah and Paul Longley said they were ceasing all sit-in trade at the recently renovated restaurant.

In the statement, Sarah said: "We are getting fantastic reviews but just not enough customers and there have been so many unexpected expenses relating to the premises."

Citing an unexpected council tax bill of £3,000 for a disused flat above the business, the owners said they had been doing their utmost to get through the winter months but could not absorb another large bill.

READ MORE: Why are Norfolk's pubs calling time like never before?

They also cited a downward trend for people to go out for breakfast, lunch, Sunday roast and evening meals, making it difficult to remain open from 9am to 11pm every day. 

The closure comes shortly after the Norfolk eatery reopened in January following an extensive refurbishment which saw the premises decorated and its 18 hotel rooms renovated.

Husband-and-wife duo Paul and Sarah have been at the helm of the Horse and Groom since March 2022.

At the time, it had been empty for three years and before that was a Thai restaurant and takeaway.

According to the pair, the eatery will continue to operate on food delivery app, Just Eat, from Tuesdays to Saturdays and the hotel will remain open until further notice.

Sarah and Paul bid the eatery farewell by saying: "The community that has evolved is tremendous and we will miss it terribly."