The owners of a Diss restaurant have called time on their efforts after two-and-a-half years in charge.
Joshua Atkin and Lindsey Booty announced last week that Weavers Wine Bar and Eating House, on Market Hill, will close on May 25.
The couple described the process of reaching the decision as “very emotional”.
They added: “We ave put everything into the future of Weavers but, due to personal reasons and the current climate we are fighting with every day, we have made a decision to close the restaurant.
“Josh and I just want to say a massive thank you to everyone for their support over the past two-and-a-half years; we have meet some amazing people, who we will miss.
“We also wouldn’t have got this far if it wasn’t for our family, friends and our very loyal staff, who some have become like family.”
Weavers was first opened in 1987 by William and Katrina Bavin, who both grew up in Diss, with the couple celebrating their 30-year milestone as owners in 2017.
The restaurant name was given as a nod to the building’s history as, centuries ago, it served as the Chapel of St Nicholas, home to a local society of weavers known as the Guild of St Nicholas.
Following the news that Weavers will be closing, Ben Cussons, chairman of Diss Business Forum and partner at Scrutton Bland, said: “It is very sad that Weavers will be closing. For Diss to lose a business that has been synonymous with the town centre for over 30 years only goes to show how difficult it is for the leisure and hospitality industry in the current climate.
“We face a use-it-or-lose-it scenario with Diss town centre and we should all do more to support our local economy, otherwise more businesses will close and we will be left with an empty high street.”
