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A popular restaurant in a UK town has collapsed into liquidation after eight years in business. Tom, Dick and Harry's in Loughton, Essex, was included in the Michelin Guide just two years after arriving on High Road and has enjoyed a good reputation among customers throughout the intervening period.

The company behind the venue, which offered brunch, all-day dining and Sunday lunches, specialising in locally-sourced British cuisine, appointed liquidators this month, however. TD&H Restaurants Limited made the filing on May 7, according to the London Gazette, with the firm now listed on Companies House as being in liquidation.

Tom, Dick and Harry's is also listed on Google as being permanently shut, with the latest customer reviews dated around three weeks ago.

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Such reviews were generally enthusiastic, with the up-market restaurant enjoying an average rating of 4.4 stars.

One person wrote: "Simply the best restaurant in Loughton for me! Excellent service, and you can pre-order your drinks so their signature cocktail or Bloody Mary can join you the minute you arrive [at] the place.

"Outstanding and interesting food [and] puppy friendly, so you can enjoy with your dog on the outside terrace or the inside deck. Well done everyone!"

Another added: "One of the best restaurants not just in Essex but the UK that we have been to - excellent food, menu and service."

Rising operating costs and tax hikes have created a perfect storm for the hospitality sector in recent months, with a number of small businesses and chain firms collapsing or drastically reducing their portfolios as a result.

London-based Italian chain Spaghetti House became the latest to shut all sites earlier this month, making 101 staff redundant, with bosses blaming high costs and "difficult" conditions in the face of "global instability".

The restaurant's parent firm said balancing such increases with "reduced demand and spending from customers" as they navigate the cost-of-living crisis had ultimately proved too challenging.

The Express has contacted TD&H Restaurants Limited and liquidator the BTG Begbies Traynor Group for comment.