DINERS have expressed their shock after a popular Burnley restaurant closed its doors at short notice.

Bistro 197, in Todmorden Road, served its final customers last Saturday, just one day after owners announced it was to cease trading.

MORE TOP STORIES:

But bosses said the venue, which is the top-rated Burnley eatery on respected travel website TripAdvisor, will re-open under new management next month.

The restaurant, which opened opposite the top entrance to Towneley Park in October 2013, has been widely praised for its French-influenced menu.

Owner Sally Fairclough said: “Due to unforeseen circumstances we are having to close. This is the last thing we want to do as we have loved every minute and are all extremely upset. We would like to thank everyone for their custom.”

She added: “We have been overwhelmed by the response on Facebook but due to family circumstances we are not able to take it any further.

“There will be a new business being run from Bistro 197 from mid-February by chef Daniel Stephenson and his partner Natalie Waterworth.”

The bistro, which had just 10 tables and allowed diners who booked to stay for the whole evening, is on the corner of Todmorden Road and Rock Lane formerly known as Butty Bill’s Trucker’s Caff and The Old Oak Cafe Despite its continental influences, the restaurant stocked a host of East Lancashire products, including beer from Burnley brewery Moorhouse’s and meat from Riley’s Butchers in Crawshawbooth.

Ms Fairclough ran the venue with her sister, Helen Mansfield, and hired talented chef Adam Bartrupe, who previously worked in the kitchen at Northcote Manor Country House Hotel in Langho.

On Facebook Sue Simons said: “So sorry for you all but hope you will all be ok whatever the reason. You should all be proud of Bistro197 – fantastic place and you will be sorely missed.”

Gemma Fletcher added: “I am extremely gutted. You were the best place to eat Burnley has ever had, and will probably ever have. I wish you all well and good luck, and hopefully maybe in the future you may make a come back.”

Of 121 TripAdvisor reviews, 112 rated the bistro as ‘excellent’.