A POPULAR Dorchester cafe has closed as it is “no longer viable”.

Owner Paul Collins has announced the Hendover Cafe, in Weymouth Avenue, has shut up shop.

“I am very sorry to have to tell you all but it is no longer viable for the cafe to continue trading,” he said.

“I would just like to say thank you to all of you for your company and your loyalty over the years and I am sorry that I will no longer be able to be rude to you anymore.”

The cafe took its name from a coppice in Batcombe, said to be close to the spot where Tess pledges not to tempt Hugh again in Tess of the d’Urbervilles.

Mr Collins’ father returned the coppice to a natural woodland – and Paul took the name for the cafe.

“Apologies to everyone for not being able to speak to you beforehand but I wanted to protect my poor staff, who were all completely shocked and upset, and I did not want them to have to face a barrage of questions,” Paul went on.

“This has been by far the hardest thing I have ever done and my good wishes go out to all the other independent traders in the town who are still surviving in these difficult times.

“Please support them where you can. Thank you and goodbye.”