Iconic Cheltenham restaurant The Daffodil has closed its doors with immediate effect.

Customers are in shock after the venue in Suffolk Parade announced it had ceased trading due to pressures from Covid and the staffing crisis.

Originally built as the town's first cinema in 1922, the restaurant was opened by Mark Stephens in 1998 and became known for its stunning art deco interior and glamorous ambience as much as its food.

Considered by many as a hidden gem it found fame after featuring in BBC drama Sherlock and has played host to Prince William.

In 2016 the Daily Mail reported the restaurant had closed after a £1.5 million black hole was discovered in the company's accounts. It reopened the same year.

It also survived lockdown, undergoing a refurbishment and reopening its doors in February 2022 but said post-pandemic pressures had taken their toll.

In a statement it said: "It is with great sadness that we will be closing the doors here at The Daffodil with immediate effect.

"The pressures during COVID, followed by the continued difficulties throughout the hospitality industry of recruiting enough high quality staff, has meant that we feel we cannot continue to operate at the standards to which an iconic restaurant such as this fully deserves.

"We are so grateful for all of your support over the years.

"We have hosted many amazing events and people - we will miss our fantastic customer and staff, greatly."

Customers have reacted with dismay to the sad news remembering all the special occasions they have celebrated there. The announcement on The Daffodil Facebook page from August 12 has garnered almost 300 comments and one said it was "the end of an era".

The public will get one last chance to visit, as the restaurant stressed it would fulfil its commitment as hosts of The Times and Sunday Times Cheltenham Literature Festival events during October.

Customers with bookings, we be emailed and refunded over the next few days.

For any other queries contact manager@thedaffodil.com