A well-liked restaurant and bar in Middlesbrough is set to close down this weekend (Sunday, April 30) after being "hit hard" by the cost of living crisis. 

Smoke and Mirrors BBQ, on Linthorpe Road in Middlesbrough, has announced that they will close after just one year in business as skyrocketing costs are making it impossible to continue trading without "lowering [their] standards".

It is the latest in a long line of North East independent businesses that have closed their doors because of rising business costs and increasingly thrifty customers. 

Read more: Steve's Cafe, in Darlington Market, to close after 38 years

Steve's Cafe in Darlington rolled down the shutters for the last time earlier this month, and Keith Fenwick Electricals closed their shop for good after 57 years in business. 

Opened by Richard Lonsdale and Kris Lawrence a year ago, the young BBQ restaurant and cocktail bar has quickly built a reputation for "the best smoked meat" and "gorgeous cocktails". 

Ranked on TripAdvisor as the 13th best restaurant in Middlesbrough, loyal customers were devastated by the news that their favourite joint will be closing. 

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A statement released by the eatery said: "It's with a heavy heart that the time has come to announce that our beloved Smoke & Mirrors BBQ chapter is coming to an end on Sunday, April 30.

"It has been an absolute pleasure meeting and serving you guys and we would like to take this opportunity to thank you for all of your support over the last year.

"The cost of living is hitting us all hard. Without lowering our standards, quality of ingredients or stretching our amazing staff, all of the things that have made us who we are and the reason you guys keep coming back for more, the only realistic way forward is to close the doors.

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"It's been a wild ride... it's taught us so much about ourselves and helped us grow so much. Strangers have become friends and friends have become family, and for this, we will be forever grateful.

"We will still be open this weekend giving it one last push, and hopefully the send-off it deserves. 

"This is not the last you will see of Richard, Kris, and the team, but for now a well-earned break is in order."