THE chain which runs Frankie & Benny's has revealed the fate of its Metrocentre restaurant following the third Covid lockdown.

The Restaurant Group owned venue has remained completely closed following the introduction of national measures, while other venues have stayed open.

Frankie & Benny's which last year permanently closed dozens of sites including in Durham and Washington, at the time said it was downsizing following Covid.

But providing an update on the fate of the store, a spokesperson for the company said its Metrocentre site has only closed "temporarily."

They said: "This site has temporarily closed due to the lockdown. All restaurants are closed, except those that are suitable for takeaway.

"We plan to re-open when we are able to welcome guests back into the restaurant."

As it announced the permanent closure of some of its venues, The Restaurant Group - said back in August: “The issues facing our sector are well documented and we have already taken decisive action to improve our liquidity, reduce our cost base and downsize our operations.

“The proposed CVA will deliver an appropriately-sized estate for our Leisure business to ensure we are well positioned despite the very challenging market conditions facing the casual dining sector.

“I would like to wholeheartedly thank all of my TRG colleagues for their continued understanding and extraordinary commitment during this unprecedented period.”

Frankie and Benny's in Teesside Park and Eldon Square, Newcastle remain the only open branches across the North-East.