A popular tapas restaurant which opened 18 months ago has announced it will not be re-opening its doors.

Bar Pintxos in Preston has closed for good after a busy 18 months operating in the city centre.

The restaurant closed on January 2 to give staff a Christmas break and was due to re-open on Friday (January 13), however owner Anthony Smith announced the restaurant would not be opening again on social media, due to ‘family commitments’.

The statement said: “It is with a heavy heart that I must inform you that as of now Bar Pintxos will not be reopening its doors to the public.

“Not because of increased rises/ costs or financial related matters but due to family commitments I am incapable at this moment of being able to commit my time to this project the way it requires, and to the standards you expect and deserve.

“I set out with a vision of creating a conceptually different venue in the centre of Preston, one that is recognised for quality in both food, drink and atmosphere and I feel that this has been achieved.

“Reviews from local, regional and national media outlets has been amazing, comments in the Observer / Guardian from renowned food critic Jay Rayner has been a particular moment of pride along with so many other kind words.

“I thank everyone of you that has been with me on this journey over the last 18 months or so and now I must take a step back while I concentrate on family matters."

The statement added that anyone with vouchers will be entitled to a refund.

The bar takes its name from pintxos, a particular form of tapas dining found only in the Basque region of Spain, famously in the cities of Bilbao and Donastia-San Sebastian, where bars are lined with a large selection of different small bites which diners order individually to enjoy with a drink.