Shocked suppliers and staff have been left unpaid after a restaurant and pub at a popular Caravan park closed without notice.

The Friars Head at Akebar Park, near Leyburn in North Yorkshire, announced its closure as a statement was posted on its website.

It is understood that the former tenants of the venue have vacated the site, leaving the venue without anyone to run it.

Initially, a short statement said: “Unfortunately The Friars Head is closed temporarily until further notice.

"We are working towards a re-opening date and will update as soon as we know.”

The owners, Akebar Park Ltd later issued a statement after being approached by worried staff, customers and suppliers over the future.

Read more: Wetherspoon puts Durham and Middlesbrough pubs on the market

They said: “We would like to take this opportunity to clarify the current situation at the Friars Head.

"Eighteen months ago Akebar Park Leisure Ltd leased the then thriving Friar’s Head at Akebar to ‘My Staff Direct Limited’, a private operator, operating The Friar’s Head as a business completely independent to Akebar Park Leisure Ltd.

“We did this to enable us to spend more time on the core business of the holiday park.

“On Thursday, September 8, 2022, the tenants of the Friar’s Head left without notice or warning, abandoning the property and we understand they have left their staff, their suppliers and Akebar Park unpaid. As yet, we have not been able to clarify the intention of the tenants.

“We very much empathise with the difficulties caused by the actions of the tenants, however these actions are completely out of our control, we are also seeking recompense.

“As we attempt to communicate with the tenants, if we are able to offer any update, we will do so.”

But shocked customers and staff reported on social media that there had been concerns about the restaurant for some time.

One woman claimed that her daughter who worked there has been owed a month's pay.

One customer said: “We called in over the last bank holiday, we were taken back how different it was, seemed to have lost its charm and was very dull.

"We were regulars for years, what a shame, hope someone can bring it back and make a successful business once again.”

Another added: “I went a couple of times and just gave up in the end. Food was massively overpriced for the quality of what it was and service was dire.

"That place should be heaving given its location and the potential clientele on its doorstep.”

Akebar Park said they are looking at options to try and get the Friar's Head back up and running.

Read next:

If you want to read more great stories, why not subscribe to your Northern Echo for as little as £1.25 a week. Click here.