A POPULAR Aberystwyth restaurant and bar described by customers as “amazing” has closed its doors for the last time after only 18 months of trading.

Irie’s Cocktail Lounge and Caribbean Restaurant, on Thespian Street, owned by Gareth James, announced on the restaurant’s Facebook page last week that the establishment would be closed for business as of this week.

The post read: “It’s with some regret that we announce the closure of Irie’s as of next week.

“Gareth says: ‘It’s just too hard’.”

Mr James was unavailable for comment this week, but confirmed that Irie’s has now closed after opening in September 2014 when it rep­laced the Weston Vaults pub.

One reviewer on travel website TripAdvisor said: “Amazing quality, fantastic service, great selection on food and drink menus and lovely interior – you walk out feeling like you’ve been genuinely spoiled for the night.

“The best restaurant I’ve been to in Aber, couldn’t recommend it enough.”

Upon reading the news on the restaurant’s Facebook page, tributes from “devastated” customers poured in.

Debbie Jackson said: “I am incredibly sorry to hear this – Irie’s is one of the best places to eat out in town, a desperately needed breath of fresh air in this little Welsh town which I will be very sad to see go. Awful news.”

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