AN award-winning Aberystwyth hotel and restaurant has announced it is going into liquidation, after Covid "crippled" the business.

Huw and Beth Roberts, owners of Gwesty Cymru, on Aberystwyth prom, released a statement online this morning (Wednesday) stating that they have "exhausted all possible scenarios in an attempt to ensure that the business survived" and are "heartbroken" to have to close.

They said: "With deep regret - we have had to permanently close the doors to Gwesty Cymru. As a result, we have engaged professional advisors to initiate the process to place the Company into Liquidation.

"Covid-19 has had a crippling effect on our business.

"We have always been dependent on spring and summer trade to sustain the business through the winter months. Half of our annual turnover has been lost between April and July alone. The essential social distancing measures required to reopen limits our small restaurant and halves our capacity. Our future room occupancy has also been significantly reduced.

"We have exhausted all possible scenarios in an attempt to ensure that the business survived, recovered and traded profitably again.

"The combination of lost income, reduced future turnover and considerable outstanding debts on top of ongoing costs make it impossible for the business to operate in a profitable manner.

"We would like to thank our customers and regular guests for their unwavering support over the years. Our thoughts and concerns are now with our staff and their families at this extremely difficult time.

"Most of all, our hearts go out to all those who have lost loved ones under such cruel circumstances as a direct result of this merciless pandemic.

"Personally - we are heartbroken and so sorry that it has come to this. Huw and Beth."

The contemporary Welsh restaurant with rooms earned many accolades and awards since opening in 2007.