Restaurant announces closure date as it organises special event to honour its 'friends' one last time

Simon Ward, who runs the bistro-style eatery with wife Louise, said the restaurant was no longer financially viable for them to continue amid rising food and energy bills, while customer numbers have also fallen.

It has now been announced the last day for full restaurant service will be March 15.

On March 16 it will be open for drinks only during the daytime and has a private event in the evening.

As a fitting send off, the restaurant has organised a Friends night entitled 'The one where we say goodbye' on February 23 at 7.30pm.

A post advertising the event states: "Following on from 'Bridget Jones' in October we thought we would host a 'Friends' night based on the TV series.

"It somehow seems appropriate as we will be saying goodbye to many of you who we consider friends.

"Get ready to celebrate the spirit of Ross, Rachel, Chandler, Monica, Joey, and Phoebe at our Friends-themed evening. Indulge in a menu inspired by the show, although we promise not to put beef in the trifle!!

"Join in with the ultimate Friends trivia quiz and test your knowledge on all things Central Perk. It's an evening filled with laughter, delicious bites, and memories that will leave you saying, "Could we BE having any more fun?"

Call 01902 894400 for more information.

Announcing the intention to close last month, a post on Facebook said: "It is with great sadness that today we announce that The Courtyard will be closing in March.

"We have not entered into this decision lightly and appreciate that it’s not just us that it affects, we have an amazing team around us and many loyal customers who have become friends. We are so sorry to have to take this decision but feel there is no alternative.

"We plan to close at the end of the current financial year. Until then we will continue to offer the same quality service, food and drinks that you have come to expect from us. As far as possible we will keep the opening hours the same but will update you should this need to change.

"Sadly, the current climate, the rising costs, including a 75 per cent increase in our electricity tariff in December, a 50 per cent increase in bottled gas in the last 12 months, as well as increases in food and drink costs make it no longer financially viable for us to continue.

"Added to that increasing financial demands from government and decreasing customer numbers and enquiries for private events have led us to have to make this decision.

"The Courtyard has been the experience of a lifetime and we have given it everything we have. If you have any questions regarding future bookings, please contact us.

"We are now actively seeking a buyer to take The Courtyard to the next phase. If you know anyone who would be interested, please do ask them to get in touch.

"In the meantime, please continue to support us in our last few months.

"We look forward to seeing you soon."