A POPULAR restaurant and bar in Stanford-le-Hope will not be reopening, its owners have announced.

Coronavirus restrictions closed the doors of the New Courthouse, on King Street, in March and this evening (Monday, 20 April), it was announced that the business will not be reopening.

Owners Lia Walsh and George Mgaloblishvili issued a statement saying: "It is with great sadness and a heavy heart to announce that we will be closing The New Courthouse restaurant and bar.

"We would like to take this opportunity to say a massive thank you to all our team members for their excellent hard work.

"Finally, a big thank you to the local community and all of our loyal customers."

Thurrock Nub News understands the closure is not related to the business's trading situation but the continuity of the lease.

The news has been greeted by many messages of support and tribute to the hard work of the team behind the venture.

It is less than two years since the New Courthouse was officially reopened by local MP Stephen Metcalfe. Thurrock Nub News' predecessor, The Thurrock Independent, ran this report at the time.

The venue was originally the Kings Head which became the Old Courthouse. Lia and George originally opened a Turkish restaurant in part of the old pub's premises, building a strong reputation.

In 2018 they took over the whole premises and instigated a major refurbishment, renaming the Old Courthouse and expanding the restaurant's cuisine into Georgian, as well as Turkish food.

It also specialised in live jazz entertainment.

When he officially reopened the venue, Mr Metcalfe said: "As someone who used to run a small business before I was elected I know how hard you have to work to keep these things on the road and the commitment and the sleepless nights that go with it.

"It's great to see another small business succeed, you are local heroes."