A POPULAR tea room has closed its doors after a "significant" drop in trade following the introduction of new coronavirus restrictions. 

Tealicious Tearoom on Elvet Bridge in Durham City Centre has temporarily shut its doors after stating it was no longer viable while current restrictions are in force.

On social media, tearoom bosses said they were planning to develop a delivery service while doors remain closed to the public.

Tealicious Tearoom in Durham City Centre to offer click-and-collect during lockdown

In a statement, they said: "This has been a very difficult decision to make but I have decided to TEMPORARILY close the Tearoom for a few weeks from tonight.

The Northern Echo:

Picture: JIM SCOTT

"Since the new restrictions were introduced trade has dropped significantly and it is no longer viable to keep the doors open.

"HOWEVER don’t despair, we are down but by no means out. We are going to focus on our online shop add more items to this and hopefully develop a delivery service.

"Please keep a look out for our exciting plans over the coming days. We are in very strange times but we can’t change this so my advice is drink tea and eat cake, thank you for your continued support. Stay safe everyone. Much love from the Tealicious team xxx."

Under current coronavirus restrictions, you cannot meet with other households in the North-East in 'any' indoor settings, unless part of a support bubble.

This means that cafes and restaurants are seeing a fall in trade as some see huge cancellations for bookings that are no longer legally allowed to go ahead.

Under new restrictions anyone flouting the rules, including meeting others from another household in a cafe, pub or restaurant, can be handed a £200 fine from police.