Popular local eatery The Rousdon Kitchen has closed down, with owners blaming the rising cost of living. 

It was announced on Sunday that the restaurant – which first opened as a bakery and cafe and later developed a grill on the forecourt of the former petrol station in Rousdon, near Seaton – would close this Tuesday.

Owner Clive Cobb said he and his wife Lucy had "used up all our personal assets and energy on this project so it's with a very heavy heart that we have to it a day".

He added that the catalyst for the decision to close down was the 150% rise in electricity costs, with fears for a difficult winter and a recession caused by the war in Ukraine.

Mr Cobb said they would now be selling off their assets, including leftover food, cooking equipment and furniture, and would be putting the lease up for sale on June 20.

As well as being a much-loved facility for village residents, The Rousdon Kitchen – which survived a serious fire in January 2020 – has built up a reputation for serving excellent food in a stylish, uniqye setting and attracted visitors from across the area.