A North East business owner has revealed why he decided to close his restaurants on Friday (September 9) following the news of Queen Elizabeth II’s death.

Craig Harker, who owns the George Pub & Grill in Stockton and George Grill's across Teesside, decided to close his restaurant and cancel bookings in a sign of respect to the monarch.

Craig, 35, told The Northern Echo: “For us it was definitely out of respect and it felt like the right decision.

Read more: Full list of events cancelled across the North East after death of The Queen

“Everyone’s going to be feeling down and I didn’t think it was right to open and it wouldn’t have felt right with the atmosphere of our restaurant.

“It’s difficult for any business but for us we felt that paying respect to the Queen was more important than a day’s takings.

“I was absolutely devastated when I heard the news. Even if you aren’t a royalist she has been like a nana to the country all this time.”

The pub owner also plans to give staff the option of taking the day off for the funeral.

Mr Harker added: “We haven’t decided yet whether to open again tomorrow. I’m leaving it down to the staff and how they’re all feeling.

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“I’ve already told everyone that they can take the day off for the funeral if they want and it’s about half and half who want to work and who don’t.”

He joined other businesses across the country including London department store Selfridges in deciding to close.

Selfridges led tributes to the Queen on Thursday (September 8) night as it said said it would not open its doors on Friday.

In the North East pet shop Holly’s Doggy Deli in Darlington and American Candy in Consett also closed their doors out of a sign of respect.

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