A POPULAR restaurant in Chirk has closed its doors.

The Boathouse, located next to Chirk Marina has been open since 2016 but the closure has come as sudden shock to many.

The team in charge took over the running of the business just over two years ago as well as their outdoor activity company TNR, which shared the site.

Adam Robson, one of the owners of the Boathouse, said: “We took the business on about two and a half years ago from the marina when it was about £170,000 in debt.

“We were forced to take the business on as we were tenants in the building. The marina said to either get out as they were closing, or to buy the business.

“We ran the Boathouse for about two years and we managed to clear most of the debt.

“But in the last quarter costs caught up with us. We’d discussed closing for a while, but we thought let’s get through Christmas and the New Year and see where we stand.

“But sadly it was poor. On New Year’s Day were looked at the takings and took the decision to close.

“TNR is still operating though and is going from strength to strength.”

A statement on the Boathouse Facebook page said: “It is with deep sadness and regret that we must announce that we have been forced to close due to financial reasons.

“Thank you to all of our customers, staff and friends for your support over the years.”