A POPULAR bar and restaurant in Dorset has closed its doors at both of its sites.

James and White has closed its two venues in Boscombe Spa Road, Boscombe, and Church Street, Christchurch.

The Christchurch restaurant was first introduced to the high street nine years ago, whilst the Boscombe venue had opened as ‘Reef Encounter’ four years prior, and later took on the ‘James and White’ name.

It is understood that both units have been taken over by new operators, who are expected to announce their plans shortly.

The reason for the handover has not been disclosed. 

A spokesperson for James and White said: “James and White venues in Boscombe and Christchurch are now closed. After 13 years in Boscombe as ‘Reef Encounter’ and then ‘James and White’ and nine years in Christchurch as ‘James and White’ we will be sad to go, and we are grateful to all of our customers and supporters.

“We will leave it to new operators to announce their plans and we wish them the best of luck."