A much-loved Bristol restaurant and event space housed within three Mongolian yurts has closed down.
Yurt Lush near Bristol Temple Meads was a popular spot for post-work drinks and loved for its award-winning roast dinners.
It was launched by Eat Drink Bristol Fashion in 2013, after the group had staged two successful food festivals in Queen Square where the yurts played a key part.
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Chew Valley farmer Luke Hasell and chef Josh Eggleton, the pair who run Eat Drink Bristol Fashion, had only planned for the cosy café-bar to have a temporary residency at Temple Quay, but it became a permanent feature after getting off to a flying start.
In 2016 Yurt Lush moved to nearby Clock Tower Yard, behind the Engine Shed and neighbouring the Boxworks offices, allowing it to expand in size and extend its opening hours.
The expansion only enhanced its reputation among Bristolians and visitors to the city, with reviews penned on Tripadvisor before the coronavirus pandemic praising the 'beautifully presented' food at the 'hidden gem' venue.
But those reviewers and many others who enjoyed visiting the festival-inspired restaurant - which was heated by a wood burning stove - will be saddened to hear that it will not reopen.
Luke and Josh have shared a brief statement on Yurt Lush's website announcing its closure.
"It is with great sadness that we announce our closing," reads the statement.
"We would like to thank everyone who has supported and worked with us over the years.
"We have enjoyed every minute of it, from serving breakfasts to roasts, hosting events, weddings and parties, it's been a pleasure."
On March 20 last year, as the first national lockdown neared, Yurt Lush posted on its Facebook page to say it had closed due to "unforeseen circumstances," adding it would be "back and stronger than ever".
But Bristol Live understands it did not reopen for dine-in customers after this update, instead running a delivery and collection service for its roast dinners and finish-at-home barbecue boxes.
The last post it made on its social media pages was in July 2020.
