THE iconic Nardini's Cafe has closed its doors for the winter - and will not open until April 2021.

The owners of the Greenock Road ice cream emporium say that it was a 'difficult decision' to make but necessary due to the coronavirus imposed limits on travel.

Staff were informed of the decision and the famous cafeteria closed its doors after a fragmented year of business on Sunday.

The neighbouring Tony Macaroni restaurant operation, also owned by Viva Italia Limited, is also closing its doors for the duration.

The Paddle Steamer, owned by JD Wetherspoons, has also closed its doors.

A spokesperson for Nardini’s said: “We have taken the very difficult decision to temporarily close our doors for a second time this year until April 2 next year.

“We have spoken to all of our staff, who will now be furloughed. There will be no redundancies.

“We would like to thank all of our customers for their support in this incredibly challenging year and we look forward to welcoming them back to Nardini’s at Easter weekend next year.”

Largs councillor Tom Marshall told the News he believed it was a prudent measure by Nardini's to close.

He said: "Gleneagles Hotel has taken the same decision as Nardini's.

"It is very difficult in these circumstances to carry on trading and with all the different tiers, it makes it very challenging for businesses to operate profitably.

"The furlough scheme is there to help and big businesses in the hospitality sector are taking advantage of it as it allows to staff to remain employed and will enable businesses to reopen in future.

"Business has reduced very significantly and some of these local firms are barely covering their overheads.

"Amey is going to be resurfacing the pavements between Nardini's and the town centre, and there will also be a road closure for resurfacing in February on the A78 so it is a good time for them to close."

Largs councillor Alex Gallagher said: "It is very disappointing but you can fully understand why the owners of Nardini's have taken this decision.

"Everyone puts Largs and Nardini's together, but with people not being allowed to travel in and out of North Ayrshire, they have to look after the business long term."

All Wetherspoons in Tier 3 areas, except one in Irvine, closed from Saturday night as the pub-chain waits for restrictions to ease.

JD Wetherspoon's boss Tim Martin hit out after Nicola Sturgeon announced Scotland's tier system and criticised more general UK Covid-related restrictions for the pub industry after revealing a sharp fall in sales.

The firm said like-for-like sales for the 15 weeks to November 8 fell by 27.6 per cent.

A total of 45 of its 61 pubs in Scotland closed on Saturday November 14.

Wetherspoon spokesman Eddie Gershon said: “We will reopen when restrictions are eased and our pubs can trade more normally.

“The Auld Brigg in Irvine will remain open as it is part of a shopping centre, which is attracting people.

“We look forward to reopening in Largs in due course.”