A POPULAR restaurant on the Isle of Wight has closed after six years in business. 

The owners of Gastronomy, Charlie Whitehouse-Ford (also chef patron) and Christianne Whitehouse, posted on social media their decision to close the premises, in Cowes High Street, "with immediate effect", citing private family health issues behind it.

"This Christmas period has forced us to really think about our lives. We've decided that after six long, tiring, fulfilling, stressful, emotional, fun, crazy, chaotic, eventful years, we're tapping out of the restaurant game and closing the doors of our premises," they said.

"Running a business over the last six years — which have included Brexit, a global pandemic, soaring energy costs and a cost of living crisis — has been a truly terrifying rollercoaster.

"Sadly, the pressure it has put on us is just not worth it anymore.

"We have personally been through the wringer in the past two years and now crave a normal family set up."

Although the restaurant will be closed, the other arm of its business, Gastronomy Events, is unaffected for pre-existing wedding bookings, the couple say. 

Christianne said she will handle them this year and into 2025, alongside their current events team. 

The lease for the premises, with a six-bedroom flat and fixtures and fittings, is available.