A community leader has expressed his sadness after the owners of a popular restaurant announced they will be closing at the end of the month. 

Joanna Knight and Rod Benson who have run Number 10 Wine Bar and Kitchen in Lavenham for the past 10 years announced they will be closing the business on January 27

Now county councillor Robert Lindsay who covers Lavenham said the business "will be missed" not only by the people of Lavenham but visitors to the village as well.

"It's a loss for Lavenham," Mr Lindsay added.

East Anglian Daily Times: Robert Lindsay who is a councillor for LavenhamRobert Lindsay who is a councillor for Lavenham (Image: Robert Lindsay)

"I've been there a few times and it was always well run, friendly and good quality. 

"I think it really added to the range of businesses and outlets in Lavenham because it wasn't just for tourists as a lot of locals also went there."

East Anglian Daily Times: Joanna Knight (left) and Rod Benson (middle) will close Number 10 in Lavenham at the end of the monthJoanna Knight (left) and Rod Benson (middle) will close Number 10 in Lavenham at the end of the month (Image: Number 10)

The restaurant has been a popular place for many since opening in 2013 after Babergh District Council gave approval to plans to turn the Grade-I listed property into a cafe-bar. 

Ms Knight said she and her team would be "delighted" to see as many customers as possible in the coming weeks before their closure. 

East Anglian Daily Times: Joanna Knight and her team at Number 10Joanna Knight and her team at Number 10 (Image: Number 10)

She also hinted that Number 10 could reopen in the not so distant future but in a new location. 

"We are already seeking alternative premises in and around Lavenham," she said. 

"So it is not the end of Number 10 as we fully intend to reopen with our brilliant team and carry on this fantastic business."

Mr Lindsay welcomed the news that the business may reopen in the future believing it would be a good thing for the village. 

"I do hope they can reopen and I hope they will not be lost to the village and be in a place where the people of Lavenham can still visit them."