A high street restaurant is closing with immediate effect after more than 40 years of trading.

The Hengist Village Bar & Dining Room is shutting its doors to customers from its home in Aylesford, near Maidstone.

Describing itself as the "jewel of Aylesford's historic village," the venue was converted into a restaurant back in 1980.

It is one of four under the same ownership alongside The Walnut Tree in Yalding, The Amherst Inn in Sevenoaks and The Chequers Inn - which is also at Aylesford.

However, the 16th century property was put on the market for £625,000 in August - 10 years after it sold at auction for £310,000 – and remains for sale.

Those interested in purchasing the Grade II-listed building were told they would have to pay £48,000 per year in rent on a six-year lease which expires in 2027.

A statement said: "It is with a heavy heart we are sharing the news that The Hengist will be closing with immediate effect.

"We have fought hard since Covid to keep The Hengist open, but with the rise in food costs and utilities we are left with no choice.

"We were very lucky to call Aylesford our home for so many years and have always seen the beauty in the village, however with the new restrictions in the once-free car park looking to be put in place very soon, it will make it even harder to attract people to the village.

"Additionally, due to the recent decline in health of our owner, he cannot be as hands-on as he once was to drive the business forward through the uncertainty of the next few years.

"We want to thank all of our team, past and present, who helped make The Hengist what it is.

"We’d also like to thank everyone who has dined with us over the years and allowed us to do what we love for so long.

"Our journey will continue through our pubs and we hope to see you again soon."

The closure of the tavern has been met with multiple messages of support.

One person said: "Such sad news. My first ever job 20+ years ago was a waitress in The Hengist.

"I was then lucky enough to live a five-minute walk [away] for a number of years.

"We’ve celebrated so many happy times in The Hengist from my first date with my now husband - to engagement parties for friends, special birthdays and so much more. Such a loss."

Another added: "This is so sad. We loved The Hengist.

"I do hope this opens up as another cracking restaurant and doesn’t just fall into another closed business in our lovely village."

A third person commented: "Absolutely gutted.

"The Hengist holds a special place in our hearts, as it was here that we had our civil marriage service.

"My husband and I were the first to marry here, and it will always be special to us. Such a great loss."

The restaurant also hit the headlines back in March when pop superstar Ed Sheeran attended the venue.

The 32-year-old Celestial singer took photos with staff when he was in the county to film at the Historic Dockyard in Chatham.