The FINANCIAL -- Chef-restaurateur Richard Phillips has closed his restaurant at Chapel Down Vineyard in Kent, after Ashford Borough Council restricted the number of weddings the venue could host.

According to Caterer and Hotelkeeper the restaurant, which was run by the chef's company, Kentish Dining Rooms, for four years, shut last week.

In a statement, the company, which also runs Thackeray's in Tunbridge Wells, and is a partner at the Hengist in Aylesford and Pearson's Arms in Whitstable, said the closure had been a "very difficult decision".

Chapel Down chief executive Frazer Thompson said the decision was disappointing.

However, he insisted that it was not the end of a vineyard restaurant and said it would reopen with a new partner, or be run by the vineyard.

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