A fried chicken restaurant which opened during Covid and bravely battled “against the odds” through lockdown to become a staple eatery in the high street is closing.

The Cheeky Clucker in Rochester blasted last week’s Budget as it announced its exit at the end of the year.

Bosses behind the vibrant yellow-fronted venue said it had always proved “really tough” to make it work as a full-service restaurant.

They explained that despite hosting popular events, parties and club nights from its basement bar to prop up the dining side, they felt it had proved a distraction from their main mission of delivering “fresh, quality fried chicken”.

The eatery also took aim at the lack of government support for the hospitality sector in last week’s Autumn Budget, adding it was “only going to get harder and harder for businesses like ours”.

Co-owners Scott Rozario and Danny Howe will now be focusing on their delivery service which has recently launched in Maidstone and are looking at two potential delivery kitchens in Medway.

The businessmen opened their eatery, which specialises in spicy flavoured chicken wings, loaded fries and sweet shop-flavoured cocktails in October 2020.

They kickstarted their venture by doing takeaways until restrictions were eased.

In August 2022, ‘The Strip Club’ launched from the basement, offering a wide range of tipples, live music and a DJ set in atmospheric underground tunnels.

Their ambition was to bring another level of dining and the “London experience” to Rochester.

In a heartfelt video to customers over the weekend, Scott announced the closure on Sunday, December 29, saying it had been a “tough decision“ after “careful thought” and it was “goodbye for now”.

He said: “In the last Budget there was no relief for hospitality and I believe it’s only going to get harder and harder for businesses like ours to survive in the current climate.”

The chicken shop boss said brand will now be a “smaller size, faster service” and a “bit more of a fast-casual dining experience”.

Thanking their loyal customers, he added: “We boldly took on this building a week after the second lockdown and, against odds made it work for four years.

He said they would continue their participation in events and festivals.

A big farewell party with DJs is being planned for Sunday, December 29.

Scott added: “It’s not the end of Cheeky Clucker, but it is the end here in Rochester.”

After posting the video, he received several messages from well-wishers many of who said they were “gutted” the Cheeky Clucker was leaving the town.

One person said: “Gutting but you’ve obviously thought long and hard and decided it’s for the best!

“Good luck boys you’ve smashed it! Think how far you’ve come since setting up you should be very proud.”

Another added: “Sorry to hear this, hospitality industry is getting harder especially with this budget announcement.

“The government definitely needs to offer some more financial aid towards small businesses.”