A restaurant in Ashton-under-Lyne has made a shock announcement that it has closed its doors for good after more than 10 years in business. 

Bosses at the Zing and Zest Indian Restaurant on Oldham Road announced that its premises has formally closed as of Wednesday (February 21) evening.

The restaurant, which opened its doors in 2012, cited spiralling costs as its reason to roll down the shutters for good.

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In the last 12 years, boss Habib Rahman also said the restaurant helped by giving back to the community through its fundraising efforts.

Examples include supporting various charities, offering discounts and meal vouchers to local schools and feeding rough sleepers as all as NHS staff during the pandemic.

While it remains unclear what will happen to the building or if it will remain a restaurant, Mr Rahman hinted a new buyer has taken over the premises.

The post on social media read: "First and foremost, we want to express our deepest gratitude and heartfelt thanks to each and every one of our customers and friends who has walked through our doors for dining in and takeaways in the past 12 years of our business.

"[Who] enjoyed our company and culinary creations, supported us throughout the years in thick and thin.

"Your friendship, loyalty and patronage have been invaluable to us, and we are truly humbled by the connections we have formed along the way in those years, and it has been a pleasure of being at your service.

"While it saddens us to bid farewell, the costs rising in energy prices and the costs rising in all other sectors of the trade, it has been very difficult for us to survive and continue trading."

He continued: "Since we opened the restaurant’s doors back in 2012, we remember the laughter, the joy, the celebrations, and the excitement that have made Zing & Zest a special place for all.

"From romantic dinners to family gatherings, all the celebrations and work parties, we are honoured to have been a part of your lives, and for that, we thank you.

“At the same time on behalf of everyone involved present and past at Zing & Zest, we would like to apologise from the bottom of our hearts if we or any of our staff at any point have not met your expectations or demands in the service provided.

"We are all human beings and we all make mistakes, so for that we are very sorry."

The manager extended his "deepest appreciation" to the restaurant's dedicated staff members, "who worked tirelessly to ensure exceptional service and a memorable dining experience here at Zing & Zest".

The post added: "Without their passion, talent, and unwavering commitment, Zing & Zest would not have been the thriving establishment it became, so thank you to everyone involved in making Zing & Zest a success."

Dozens of diners have since taken to social media to express their shock and "heartbreak" at the news, with many praising the restaurant's "amazing" food and its "welcoming" and "friendly" atmosphere.

A man added: "I'm absolutely gutted but all the best in what you do moving forwards.

"Thank you for providing me and my family the best Indian food we could ask for over the last 12 years and thank you for being there for me as a friend when me and my family have needed you.

"We will miss you Habib, hopefully see you soon."

Others said they considered Zing & Zest their favourite Indian restaurant with one woman saying her family has spent their Christmas Day there every single year.

Another man said it presented the "end of an era" after he calculated he ate at the venue once a week in the last 10 years.

Another comment read: "Zing and Zest has always been my favourite place for takeout and we have spent many celebrations in your lovely restaurant over the years.

"You and all your staff are beautiful people who have always gone above and beyond for your customers. Y

"You will be missed, best wishes to you and all your staff for whatever the future holds."

Another said it was the "end of an era" for him as he had been dining in the restaurant once a week over the last decade.

Mr Rahman concluded: “We are wishing the new buyers all the very best in their new venture in whatever they turn the place into.

"So folks, keep a lookout.

"Goodbye and farewell."

 Got a story? Email me Olivia.bridge@newsquest.co.uk