ONE of East Lancashire’s top restaurants, run by celebrity chef Paul Heathcote, has closed after 22 years.

The Longridge eatery, in Higher Road, was the Michelin-starred chef’s flagship site.

Mr Heathcote said the decision to close it had taken a while because of his memories attached to it.

He said: “I am actually really proud of what we have achieved and I don’t find it sad. It is more about reflecting on the good memories.”

Mr Heathcote, who will continue to run two restaurants in Preston, said the closure will free him for new projects.

He said: “I want to do other things, I have just been appointed chairman of Marketing Lancashire but I also have an outside catering company which needs my attention.

“When you have been stuck in a kitchen, there are other things in life that you want to do.”