AN award-winning restaurant has been forced to close its doors to customers.

News of the closure of Riverside Sopley Mill restaurant and tearooms has caused distress to many couples who had chosen it as their wedding venue.

The mill was a popular venue for brides and grooms-to-be and had already taken many bookings for 2012 when general manager Caroline Paul announced the closure this week.

Julia Buckley, who had paid £275 deposit for her wedding in June, said she received a letter from Mrs Paul which said she would not be refunded.

Mrs Paul’s statement on the Sopley Mill website reads: “As of the 28th October 2011, Sopley Mill has been forced to cease trading due to the negative impact of the recession.

“Despite pursuing every avenue to enable the business to continue it is with regret that we have had to close due to our inability to meet our financial obligations. We apologise to anyone that has future bookings with us and hope you will be able to find an alternative venue for your events.

“We would like to thank all of our loyal customers and superb staff for their support over the years and wish you all well for the future.”

Speaking to the Daily Echo on Wednesday, Mrs Paul said: “I feel absolutely dreadful.

“Nobody feels worse than I do.

“I am very sorry and if I could magic money out of thin air I would love to give it to them.

“I have put every penny I have and more into trying to keep the business going and am now homeless.”

Mrs Paul, who leased the mill, recommended those who booked their wedding at the mill to take out insurance and as a result no refunds were to be given.

The Mill restaurant has won several accolades in recent years including Best Family Friendly Dining Destination in the 2010 Christchurch Food and Wine Festival Best of the Best awards.

DAN Phillips, 31, and partner Nikki Torrance, 29, had paid more than £3,500 towards their winter wedding at Sopley Mill on December 3.

The closure has left them out of pocket and desperately seeking a new venue with a one month to go.

The couple, who have just returned from working in Hong Kong and are living with Dan’s parents, handed over 75 per cent of the final cost – £3,244 – on August 30 and met with Mrs Paul last month to discuss final arrangements.

Nikki said: “I am so angry. I lost my first wedding dress because the company went bust. We never imagined that would happen with Sopley.

“I haven’t slept since I found out – this is the last thing we need. I won’t rest until something is done about this.

I am going to fight tooth and nail to get our money back. We have worked very hard for that money and I won’t let it disappear into someone else’s debts.”

Speaking about the wedding next month, Mrs Paul said: “I was hoping to keep the mill going until after Christmas so we could hold their wedding, but I had the decision taken out of my hands.”