A popular Michelin-star restaurant in Cork has announced it will close its doors for the final time later this year.

Restaurant Chestnut, run by Rob Krawczyk and Elaine Fleming and located in west Cork, has been winning rave reviews for eight years.

It was awarded a Michelin star in 2018, which it has kept since then.

Krawczyk was once described as ‘one of the country’s top chefs’.

But the owners revealed that they will be in business until October 30, after which they plan to close.

Krawczyk said he and Fleming would ‘be revealing plans for what comes next in due course’.

In a social media post, the owners wrote: ‘Today we wish to announce that after nine dinner seasons, this one will be our last as Restaurant Chestnut.

‘We are so incredibly proud of what we have created here. Opening our doors in March 2018, we could not have dreamt of what was to follow….

‘We invite you to join us & our incredible team, to celebrate & raise a glass with us over the next six months of dinner service. Reservations are now open up to & including October 30th 2026.

‘Our story is rooted here in West Cork and it is the place where our next chapter will begin. We will reveal our plans for what is to follow in time.

‘Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all of your support to date – it has meant the world to us.

‘We look forward to welcoming you over the coming months to beautiful Ballydehob X’.

The news was greeted with well-wishes from customers of the popular eaterie.

One person wrote: ‘News that is so sad but full of joy in equal measure.

‘Some of my best dining experiences in recent years are rooted in time spent eating many many delicious things at The Chestnut.

‘I can’t wait to see what comes next, but I will also miss everything the chestnut was when the doors close for the final time in autumn. Slainte!’

While a second person posted: ‘What a great achievement to have maintained such a high standard for so many years.

‘Always a good idea to keep evolving. Your talents will continue to shine in your next venture. Thank you for being in West Cork and best wishes for the future.’

And a third added: ‘We LOVE Chestnut! You have created magic there Rob & Elaine, and we will miss sending friends who are visiting west Cork.

‘But also – very happy that there at least will be a new adventure ahead! Looking forward to visiting soon.’