PETERSFIELD’S popular independent cafe Fork Handles Kitchen has closed its doors for the last time.

Owner and chef Richard Gordon cited “financial and personal” reasons for his decision to close the eaterie in St Peter’s Road yesterday (Sunday) after three years.

There has been an outpouring of sadness and shock on the cafe’s Facebook page after the announcement was made.

In keeping with the cafe’s name, taken from a Two Ronnies sketch, it said: “It’s goodnight from me and it’s goodnight from him”, which was their trademark sign off.

Scores of regulars and well-wishers have praised Richard and his team for providing “a bright spot for Petersfield”, “something unique for the town” and “the best place to take kids and relax”.

One person wrote: “Fork Handles was my community. A special creative hub where I fitted perfectly”.

Another said the cafe and restaurant was “something good and local in a sea of big brand sameness”.

Customers appreciated the warm welcome at Fork Handles, the quirky interior which offered gallery space for local artists, and the emphasis on local and independent trading.

The lease has been sold and the site will re-open as a re-fitted, independent cafe, towards the end of the summer.

Richard said: “We are closing due to both financial and personal

reasons so we can spend more time together as a family.” He has a son Finn who is about to be two-years-old.

“We have enjoyed everything and most importantly the life-long friends we have made while at the restaurant. We would like to thank everyone who has given us their support over the years. We are very proud of what we created.”

He urged residents to continue to support independent and local enterprises in the town.

He will continue to cater for outside events with his bespoke service.

Richard opened Fork Handles Kitchen in May 2014 and won awards in the first year, most notably Slow Food Restaurant of the Year for Hampshire Solent. This was for the policy of only buying ingredients within a 30 mile radius of the premises.

More than 90 per cent of all the cafe’s produce came from small, family-run businesses in the Petersfield area.

Fork Handles hosted monthly movie nights, gin festivals and community events, including Raining Umbrellas which raised £3,000 for charity.