A POPULAR and long established music bar in the town centre has temporarily closed due to the mounting restrictions placed on the hospitality industry due to rising coronavirus cases.

Friars Court in Barbauld Street has today, Friday, shut the venue's doors – a decision that will be 'under constant review' with the hope of opening again 'real soon'.

It comes as tougher Covid-19 measures were announced for Warrington by Health Secretary Matt Hancock on Thursday. They will come into effect from midnight tonight.

The blow for pubs, restaurants, cafes and other hospitality settings is that all social mixing between people in different households is being banned in an effort to curb infection rates.

Warrington Guardian:

In a statement, the Friars Court team, which has welcomed the likes of Catfish and The Bottlemen on its stage, said: "Firstly let me thank everyone who's been to Friars since we reopened in early August.

READ > How pubs in Warrington have responded to household mixing ban

"It's been amazing showing you the changes we've made and the feedback has been great to hear.

"As we are all very aware, the hospitality industry has been been one of the hardest hit, and while the industry has done amazing things to adapt to all the new rules and regulations it's been given, it's becoming increasing difficult.

Warrington Guardian:

"A 9.30pm last orders with everyone out by 10pm is devastating for large parts of the industry – then we were dealt a further blow with the further restrictions that come into force this weekend.

"So, for now, we've taken the decision to close Friars. We will keep this under constant review and we look forward to seeing you back at Friars real soon."