A popular tapas bar and restaurant has decided to remain closed despite restrictions being lifted.

Even though the second national lockdown ended on December 2 meaning people could meet indoors if they were part of the same household or support bubbles, The Bank of Silloth has decided to remain closed.

The decision was made by owners Simon and Lucy Cottingham to put the safety of their customers first.

The couple knew it would be difficult to provide a top-notch service and felt uncomfortable policing which households customers were from.

Speaking about the decision not to reopen, Mr Cottingham said: “After the first lockdown when we reopened again it was mega, mega busy which was great.

“Then the masks came in which was difficult for us to give a reasonable service so that was the first point.

“Then being in Tier Two means you cannot obviously mix and we didn’t want to have to be the ones to ask everyone at the door who they were with.

“We don’t think we can give as good a service as we are used to giving at this time.”

Christmas would have been a very busy time for the restaurant with parties but the restrictions in place mean they wouldn’t legally be able to do them.

Talking about the business, Mr Cottingham said: “It’s going very well. When we opened up last winter the people supported us up to the hilt.

“We were full quite a lot of the time all the way through til March really then we came to March and we thought we would get a good season in.

“We then opened up again in July it was just mental, I could have filled Wembley stadium on some days.

“We were capacity for those months.”

Although the pair are disappointed they aren’t reopening they know it’s the right thing to do to keep everyone safe.

Mrs Cottingham said: “Of course it’s sad but it’s about keeping people safe.

“We just feel at the moment it’s just not the right time.

“I just think it’s better for us to remain closed for now until we can open properly.”

It’s hoped if we move into Tier One they’d be able to reopen again and start serving customers.

Mrs Cottingham said: “We’d need a couple days before we reopen to get things ready but I’d definitely reopen.

“The restrictions are so strict. I think we’ve made the best decision.

“It’s just not viable for the business to open.

“You cannot really ask who people are with, yes you know who people are, but you can’t then start asking them if they’re married or if they live together.

“It’s about playing our part as well, easing the pressures. It’s all down to the NHS and key workers so it’s definitely the right time.

“We can celebrate Christmas at a different time.”