A POPULAR pizza and cocktail bar has announced it is to close next month, ‘with a heavy heart’.  

The Grapes on Lowther Street in Whitehaven said it will close its doors on March 30.

The venue was opened last year by Graham Evans, of Seascale, in the former Cleavers restaurant building.

An announcement on Facebook said 'hope was not lost' as The Grapes' front of house manager would now be re-opening the venue ‘in the near future’.

The Facebook post reads: “It is with a heavy heart that we announce the closure of The Grapes. This decision has not been an easy one, and we want to express our deepest gratitude for your loyalty and support throughout the last 18 months.

“Reason for this is simply priorities and commitments have changed of which no longer give me the time to run the restaurant.

“Although hope is not lost as Bex, my front of house manager will be re-opening the building in the very near future. Watch this space.

“Once again thank you to all people who came for our pizza and cocktails and a big thank you to the staff at The Grapes.

“Final service will be Saturday, March 30.”