A BUSINESSMAN has thanked his customers for their support after announcing the closure of a popular food and drinks venue less than a year since it opened.

The Secret Garden in Barrow has proven to be a roaring success since it swung open its doors in November 2021.

It sold classics such as ice cream and churros - as well as hot food and a bar - and was extremely popular with families.

But Steven Darvill, owner of The Handmade Ice Cream Company, which opened The Secret Garden in Enterprise Business Park off Ironworks Road in Barrow, said it was now shutting due to 'personal circumstances'.

The Handmade Ice Cream Company will still be operating its parlours in Ulverston and Greenodd.

"I would like to thank all our customers for their support," said Mr Darvill.

"We certainly enjoyed being open but personal circumstances have changed to the point where we need to focus on other things."

READ MORE: Food and drink venue closes due to 'personal circumstances'

Mr Darvill said the decision to close The Secret Garden was an 'awful' one to make.

He added: "We really enjoyed having people here. It was great to see the kids coming in and their smiling faces but it is just one of those things, unfortunately.

"I have absolutely been taken aback by the support, we have been very very lucky."

A statement posted on the business' Facebook page said: 

"So it’s with a very heavy heart that we have decided to close The Secret Garden due to personal circumstances.

"I personally can’t thank all our customers enough for all your support and we have had a blast seeing all the smiles as you walk in to see our decor for the first time especially the little ones.

"Any gift cards will be honoured at our other two parlours in Ulverston & Greenodd which will remain open.

"Once again thank you everyone I hope you enjoyed it as much as we did."