Sheffield restaurant announces it will close ‘until further notice’ after Tier 3 announcement

In a Facebook post on Thursday (November 26), Rafters Sheffield said: "Another strange day in a rollercoaster of a year!

"Firstly, thank you for the continued support of our team, our guests and our families.

"Having let today's announcement of both @raftersrestaurant and @raftersrh being placed into tier 3 sink in, we have made a few decisions concerning our future.

"It is with a heavy heart that we have taken the decision to close @raftersrestaurant until further notice, we cannot put a date on reopening at this time but it will not be before the end of the year."

Sheffield, with the rest of South Yorkshire, has been moved into Tier 3 lockdown following an announcement by Health Secretary Matt Hancock.

Under the new, tougher Tier 3 rules, all pubs and restaurants must remain closed - not just those which don't serve a 'substantial meal'.

Rafters said all guests with bookings over the next four weeks will need to cancel their reservations but will have the option to rearrange for the new year.

Their decision to stay shut until the end of the year has earned sympathy from their patrons.

One Facebook user wrote: "It's heartbreaking seeing so many businesses having to stay shut. Losing so much revenue. We will be here to support you in 2021. Here's to the New Year! Keep positive!"