A BENFLEET restaurant has announced its closure after seven years due to “suffering” from the pandemic and cost of utilities.

Castle Spice, an Indian restaurant in London Road, has shut with immediate effect due to unforeseen circumstance.

When speaking to The Echo, they confirmed they had no choice but to close with the current climate of a recession, cost of utilities, and the pandemic.

A spokesman for Castle Spice said: “Sadly we have had to close our restaurant due to unforeseen circumstances.

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“I am very saddened to make the decision to close.

“But with the current climate of a recession ahead and cost of utilities as well as suffering from the pandemic, we have had to close.

“I want to take this opportunity to thank all our customers for your custom and support.

“It has been a pleasure serving them for the last seven years.”

Many residents expressed their sadness on the restaurant’s social media pages.

Their website and social media pages have now since been deleted following the announcement.

More to follow.