The owners of an independent café in the heart of Oakham have announced with a 'heavy heart' that they will be closing.

The Larder, which is situated on Mill Street, cite increasing cost, staffing difficulties and a reduction in high street pedestrians as reasons behind the close.

In a statement published on social media, the owners said: 'It is with a heavy heart that we announce that we will be closing our doors for the final time.

'This has been one of the hardest decisions we've ever had to make. Over recent years, we've faced a perfect storm of challenges - ongoing staffing recruitment difficulties, ever-increasing operational costs and a reduction in people visiting the high street.

'Despite giving it everything we had, we've reached a point where we simply can't continue.'

The Larder team are keen to thank all of their customers, regular and occasional, as well as the hard-working team, past and present, who made 'The Larder what it has been.'

They then go on to highlight the importance of supporting local independent businesses, saying: 'Oakham is incredibly lucky to have so many fantastic independent coffee shops and cafés.

'We genuinely encourage you to continue supporting them. Whether it's Fika on Mill Street, Otters Fine Foods on High Street, or many of the other brilliant independents in the town, please keep shopping local and supporting small businesses. They are the heart of our community.'

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For fans of The Larder, they will still be serving the coffee and lunches they are best known for at The Larder, Burrough Court.'