A RESTAURANT owner said it’s “a shame” that his business will be closing, but thanked the many people who have supported him over the years.

Belle House, said by many to be 'the finest' place to eat in Pershore, is closing down after 15 years.

Steve Waites said: “We have come to the end of our lease, and we have decided not to renew it.”

Mr Waites said he and his wife Kathryn, who has been running the business with him, have decided to call it a day at the restaurant “for personal reasons.”

Mr Waites will also be closing his other two ventures that are based on the premises.

“It’s quite hard being in the restaurant business – we have got an events company and a deli as well,” he said.

The deli has been selling homemade items at the fine dining restaurant.

Mr Waites said he doesn’t currently have a plan in terms of what he will do when the restaurant closes.

They are hosting a wedding on July 27 and that will be their last day of serving.

“I need a job,” Mr Waites said: “Something with food.”

Mr Waites is from Newcastle and Mrs Waites is from Wales. They worked at The Wood Norton Hotel near Evesham before opening Belle House, on Bridge Street.

Mr Waites said: “We have been down here about 25 years, it’s a long time.

"We are really grateful for everyone that has supported us, people in Pershore and from afar, there are people from London who have supported us too.

"We have got quite a big band of regulars that come here quite regularly.

"We will miss being in Pershore. It’s a shame.”

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