A restaurant serving Middle Eastern cuisine in Lancaster city centre has announced it has closed down.
Misso Lounge opened in the former Waterstones book shop on King Street at the end of March 2023.
But 18 months after opening, following a major renovation of the premises, owners say economic factors mean they can no longer keep the restaurant open.
In a statement, Misso Lounge said: ‘’Our dream was to bring our native cuisine to Lancaster. A fusion of Arabic and Mediterranean flavours served in an opulent, yet comfortable surrounding.
‘’We found some great premises elsewhere, but being from and in love with Lancaster and its community, we wanted to set up here. To provide a comfortable, welcoming, social space for all where one could work, study, dine or celebrate. A home from home.
‘’We worked tirelessly to ensure the reality met with our dream, right down to the smallest detail.
‘’Throughout our endeavours, our determination was unwavering, and that has been repaid to us a million times over.
‘’Our wonderful staff, who became like family to us, were utterly amazing. They gave Misso their all, and their love of the job was evident and commented upon daily. We can not thank them enough.
‘’To all those who dined with us, celebrated with us, we thank you also. Your enjoyment and gratitude have been so humbling and will forever stay with us as fond memories.
‘’Incredibly, many of our loyal customers have already reached out to us and are just as upset as we are. This is a testament to the strength of community Lancaster has.
‘’It is all of this that has made the already extremely difficult business decision, even more difficult. Sadly, this wasn't the right time for us with all the spiralling costs.
‘’We were never going to compromise on our standards, nor were we going to raise our prices.
‘’We have made some wonderful friends, and as we have now closed the Lounge curtains, we want to once again thank all of you who have supported us.
‘’However, this is not a final goodbye. We are already planning our next adventure.’’
Previously, Misso Box, serving Arabic cuisine with a twist, opened as a takeaway and delivery service in Lancaster in April 2022.
Lancaster University lecturer pens episode of popular CBeebies TV programme
Young Morecambe change makers invited to Westminster
Heysham power station team leads large-scale community litter pick
Body found in Lancaster park in search for missing local man
PHOTOS: Eden Project Morecambe garden wins award on star-studded day at Chelsea Flower Show
Over 50s ‘youth club’ in Morecambe reduces hours due to ‘lack of footfall’
Under threat Lancaster day centre will remain open
'Look for a Book' event returns to Lancaster and Morecambe
Operation Sceptre tackles knife crime across Lancaster district
Eden Project Morecambe will become a ‘theatre of science like nowhere else on earth’
‘True local’ begins his year as mayor of Lancaster
Lancaster University research shows care home falls cut by a third with use of smart lights
Angela Rippon and ‘Eric and Little Ern’ launch Bring Me Sunshine Garden at Chelsea Flower Show
Talk and trail celebrating life of city’s groundbreaking inventor will mark Lancaster Day
‘Knight Ride’ fundraiser underway for free summer outdoor Lancaster music festival
Hundreds of kids pay homage to Eric Morecambe with special centenary celebration fun run
Lancaster paedophile given lengthy jail term for historic sexual abuse of young girl
LISTEN and PHOTOS: Town celebrates Eric Morecambe's 100th birthday in style
D-Day hero to open new Lancaster Armed Forces veterans centre on 102nd birthday
Pothole Patrol sisters from Morecambe take their campaign to breakfast TV
