A RESTAURANT run by a former head chef of Gordon Ramsay is closing in Rossendale.

The owners of the Dining Room, in Burnley Road, Rawtenstall, sent out their final newsletter yesterday blaming the restaurant’s location for having a negative impact on the restaurant.

But although the al a carte eatery is closing five years after its launch, head chef Andrew Robinshaw said he was optimistic about the future and looking for another location to reopen in the area.

He said: “We feel so lucky to have built up a very loyal customer base and, over the years, have made some very good friends and we feel like we will be letting a lot of people down.

“However, we don’t believe we can achieve what we set out to do in our current location, so we have had to make the very hard decision that it is time for us to call it a day, for the moment.”

The senior staff at the Dining Room have also slated two national food publications in their newsletter for not recognising the niche market in which they have worked.

The company, which also owns the Lounge, in Ramsbottom, is now looking for a suitable location to reinstate themselves as a premier restaurant.

Andrew said: “Over the five years, we have written many letters, but have still been disregarded by the two main food guides.

“This is a very frustrating position for us to be in as we know that the product we provide is of a very high standard and we well deserve a place in the guides, and the accolades and customers that this would bring.”

The leader of Rossendale Council, Tony Swain, expressed his sadness at losing the restaurant.

He said: “It’s always disappointing whenever a business in Rossendale feels they can no longer go on trading.

“As we all know the recession has caused people to cut back on what they spend and, unfortunately, this has had an impact on restaurants, as well as many other types of businesses.”