STAFF at a Caribbean restaurant in the city centre have a "heavy heart" after revealing the eatery is closing for good.

It is the end of a chapter for Tortugas on Friar Street after the business revealed it has permanently closed. 

Tortugas opened in Worcester in 2021, co-owned by Everton Lawson and Connor Mazzocchi.

Nearly three years later, it has now closed for good.

The eatery had been offering a taste of the Caribbean with authentic Caribbean food, rum-based tiki cocktails, and classic dishes.

Those who have a booking at the restaurant will be notified, and the business has apologised for any inconvenience.

A spokesperson for Tortugas said: "It is with heavy hearts that we say goodbye to this chapter of Tortugas.

"We want to express our deepest gratitude to our wonderful customers who have supported us throughout the years, thank you for being a part of our journey."

"We will be notifying all bookings and apologise for any inconvenience caused.

"Thank you all again for this incredible experience."

Everton Lawson was the head chef at the restaurant, while Connor Mazzocchi ran the bar.

The trio had opened it to fulfil a dream they had.

According to TripAdvisor, Tortugas was rated three out of nineteen bars and pubs in Worcester and was featured in the Travellers' Choice 2023.

Tortugas is the second Friar Street business to reveal it is closing in the past two days.

Laura Kavanagh, who runs G&Tea in Friar Street, revealed that it is no longer viable to keep the vintage tea room open after food costs tripled due to the cost of living crisis.

She said despite the business' popularity, it had been hard to keep afloat with rising food costs and energy bills.