Two independent restaurants in Norwich closed for good just before Christmas for similar reasons.

Portuguese eatery Jorge's Tasca in Pivotal House, located at the back of Orford Yard off Red Lion Street, shut on December 23, with the announcement made in November.

Its owners Jorge and Eleanor Santos also run the neighbouring Jorge's Restaurant, which serves steaks, seafood, tapas and more. 

Eastern Daily Press: A bifana Portuguese sandwich from Jorge's Tasca Picture: Steve AdamsA bifana Portuguese sandwich from Jorge's Tasca Picture: Steve Adams (Image: Steve Adams)

When he announced the closure of Jorge's Tasca, Mr Santos said: "I have decided that in the new year I want to spend more time with my family and focus on Jorge's Restaurant, where I will be introducing some new Portuguese dishes.

"I have been working 70 hours a week and I want to slow down a little bit." 

READ MORE: 7 food and drink businesses opening in Norwich in 2024

Elsewhere in the city, Woolf & Social in Nelson Street, off Dereham Road, permanently closed on Christmas Eve. 

Eastern Daily Press: Francis Woolf and Felix Rehberg, owners of Woolf & Social which has just shut in Nelson Street Picture: Supplied Francis Woolf and Felix Rehberg, owners of Woolf & Social which has just shut in Nelson Street Picture: Supplied (Image: Woolf & Social)

It was opened by friends Francis Woolf and Felix Rehberg in 2015 and it was previously named the best local restaurant in the East of England by the Good Food Guide. 

A statement released by the pair in September said: "Francis has been working as a chef for a very long time, sacrificing evenings and weekends, putting in long hours and nurturing the restaurant with every spare moment.

"He is now at a stage where he wants to spend more time with his family and focus on other projects - without the Woolf there is no Woolf & Social."