Solita is closing its Preston restaurant after failing to find a new site in the city

The team behind Winckley Square-based Solita took to social media this evening saying: "We’ve taken the regretful decision to close our Preston, Winckley Square site; we looked for an alternative site on Fishergate but unfortunately we were unsuccessful in finding a site that met our size and location requirements.

"We’re still actively looking for an alternative site and hopefully will be back in Preston very soon."

The post attracted hundreds of comments, with many showing their sadness at the city losing what quickly became an iconic restaurant led by co-owner Franco Sotgiu.

In June Mr Sotgiu told the Post he was actively trying to find a more central location in Preston.

Prior to then the building in which Solita is based - which was also the former Heathcote’s Brasserie and Olive Press restaurant - was being offered to potential buyers by Manchester-based agents Christie & Co at a price tag of £175,000.

The restaurant chain still has three dotted around Manchester including in the Northern Quarter of the city.