Banyan Bar and Kitchen has closed in Harrogate after 20 years of serving customers.

The venue, on John Street, has been a cornerstone of the town’s hospitality scene since 2006. It underwent a £400,000 refurbishment in 2016.

But the Stray Ferret exclusively revealed four days before Christmas it would close on January 3.

Today (January 4), the bar said on social media the Harrogate site was now “permanently closed”.

It added:

“Thank you so much for your custom over the years, we've loved being part of this wonderful community and have made so many friends.

"Don't be a stranger, we'd love to continue to welcome you to our Banyan bar in Leeds city centre.”

The post attracted dozens of comments from former staff and customers saying how much they would miss the place.

One said: “This is such sad news, you’re one of the reasons that I come to Harrogate.” Another added: “That’s sad, one of the best bars in Harrogate.”

Banyan is owned by Arc Inspirations, whose brands also include Manahatta and Box. It has 17 venues in northern England, including other Banyans in Leeds, Manchester and Newcastle.

The company has said it wants to focus on “increasing our portfolio of prime and city centre locations”.