A Spanish restaurant in East Lancashire is set to close its doors next month – but the owner says something exciting is coming later this year.

The owner of Las Tapas, in Blackburn Road, Haslingden, said the restaurant as we know it is “closing its doors for good” in September.

Sharing the news with his 6,000 Facebook followers, owner Musti Serbest said: “It is with a heavy heart that we must make this announcement.

“Unfortunately, Las Tapas will soon close its doors forever.

“We want to thank the people of Haslingden and surrounding areas for your fantastic support over the years and hopefully we will see you all before we permanently close up on September 11.

“We have partied, celebrated birthdays, anniversaries and numerous special occasions together and it has been a pleasure to be a part of those memories with you and to serve each and every one of you.

“Thank you once again – hopefully our paths will cross again in the future.”

Speaking to the Lancashire Telegraph, Musti said he is closing in order to spend time with his wife, Nevin Demirci, and prepare for their new baby.

He said: “My wife is pregnant and we are having a baby.

“I just want to have some time off, what with the baby coming, so I just sold it to my friend, Yilmaz Aytac.”

However, Musti claims a new and rebranded restaurant will take its place in October.

It will no longer be called Las Tapas and it will serve Italian and Mediterranean food.

He said: “Everything is going to be rebranded – it will have a different name and new menu.”

Musti is sad to leave the business behind but also excited about what the future may hold.

He said: “I will be very sad to leave. This business has been very successful and we have had so many happy memories.

“In the future, who knows? Maybe I will open another restaurant.”