Zizzi, which has a branch on Castlegate, Newark, shuts its doors to the public

Another familiar high street name has shut its doors to the people of Newark.

Zizzi, which has a branch on Castlegate, has no plans to reopen the restaurant after it was forced to close in March due to coronavirus.

The Azzurri Group, the owners of Zizzi, did not confirm to the Advertiser how many jobs would be affected.

A spokesman said: "We remain committed to reopening as many Zizzi restaurants as we can, and all locations will remain under review. "These are uncertain times for the restaurant sector, and our priority is to recover, protect jobs, and welcome our customers back."

The building in which Zizzi sits, Ossington Coffee House, dates from 1881 when Charlotte, Viscountess Ossington, proposed a new café or coffee tavern in Newark.

It was built close to the River Trent, opposite the castle and cattlemarket, on land bought from the Handley family.

The purpose of the coffee house was to promote the cause of temperance and lure farmers away from the town’s public houses.

The building has had many uses, including as stables, a hotel and a base for military personnel during both world wars.