A POPULAR restaurant at a Richmond tourism complex has closed unexpectedly after a bailiff possession notice was placed on it.

Season’s Restaurant, based in the former platform space of the Station, Richmond, was closed on Tuesday morning with the entire restaurant being cordoned off to the public.

A bailiff possession notice was attached to the cordon, notifying the tenants Westbrook Restaurants Ltd – run by husband and wife team Jane Gallogly and Ian Woodcock – that the landlord had repossessed the premises, and that the lease or licence had been revoked as of Tuesday, April 17.

A further notice had also been erected by Season’s, advising customers that due to staffing issues it would be stopping serving food at 4pm on both Monday, April 16 and Tuesday, April 17.

Station manager Eileen Halliday and Ian Hepworth, chairman of Richmondshire Building Preservation Trust which operates the building, said: “We apologise for any inconvenience caused to customers of the Station due to the closure of Season’s Restaurant. The restaurant is not owned by the trust, but is operated by the tenant on a lease.

“The lease has been terminated due to serious none compliance by the tenants.

“Catering facilities will be restored as soon as possible, however we cannot give a firm date at present.

“Our other tenants, the Station Cinema, Angel's Share, Archers Ice Cream and Richmond Brewery are able to supply a range of take-out food, coffee and other drinks which can be enjoyed at our tables within the building.

“We hope that you will continue to enjoy visiting the Station and we will of course update you via our website and social media as soon as we can supply further information.”

The company accounts for Westbrook Restaurants Ltd have not been filed since 2013, and an application to have the company struck off the Companies House register, which would have dissolved the business, was made in September 2017.

According to Season’s Restaurant website, Jane Gallogly and Ian Woodcock set up Season's in 2007. In 2010 the second cafe opened in Darlington, and in 2013 the third Season's café opened on Redcar seafront at the Beacon. Both venues have also since closed.

Ms Gallogly has worked in management at Castle Howard and the National Railway Museum; while Mr Woodcock has worked as a chef at Alnwick Treehouse and Harewood House.