A VIETNAMESE restaurant in Ilkley has closed its doors after 16 years.

Bistro Saigon, owned and run by Loc Bui and Paula Cooper, announced the news with a “heavy heart” on their Facebook page.

The restaurant, in Railway Road, offered an “authentic Vietnamese experience in a charming Ilkley eatery with first class customer service by our knowledgeable and gracious staff members”, according to its website.

The Bistro Saigon team posted to Facebook: “It is with a heavy heart that we announce the closure of Bistro Saigon. 2020 was a challenging year for us all! It was also a year of reflection for us and allowed us to step back and reassess our work life balance. With all this in mind and the current restrictions not easing anytime soon we have decided to close. We were hoping we could leave with a special celebratory meal, however sadly that isn’t to be. This is not goodbye but farewell for now.”

The post added: “Lộc’s Taste of Vietnam is my new cookery school, currently running online. Why not join and learn how to recreate your favourite dishes at home. If cooking is not for you, don’t panic Loc will also be providing a private dining service when allowed!

“Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all your support over the last 16years! This has not been an easy decision to make and it has been a real pleasure to bring a taste of Vietnam to Ilkley and the surrounding community.

“We have made some lovely friends and acquaintance’s over the many years and will miss everyone.

“Stay safe, don’t be strangers and let our paths cross again soon.”