A CAFE has closed for good so that its owners can 'avoid burning themselves out'.
Bird and Carter has been trading as a cafe and bed and breakfast at Fonthill for the last four years.
Owners Annie and Joff Carter told customers through social media that they had decided to shut the cafe shortly after 1pm on Wednesday, April 17, effective immediately.
The site will continue to operate as a bed and breakfast and its other cafe on Warminster Road remains open.
Read more: Bird and Carter reopens farm shop cafe after Covid lockdown closure
The couple said they will focus on running just one food business to offer "the best of the best" at Wilton and ensure they are not 'burning themselves out between the two branches'.
Unsure of when Joff last had a day off, the pair apologised to customers for the short notice but added: "This isn’t a decision we have made lightly, and it’s a necessary one for the future of Bird & Carter.
"We hope you all understand and will continue to support us."
The former post office has been listed as one of the best places to stay in the country according to the Sunday Times.
According to Bird and Carter's website, the Fonthill site was recruiting both a full-time front of house staff as well as weekend staff before it closed.
The cafe opened as an extension of the business following success as a cafe and farm shop at Chilhampton Farm.
Originally, Bird and Carter was housed in Fish Row before moving near Wilton in 2012, roughly 20 minutes away from Fonthill.
Annie and Joff hope to see customers return, they said: "Luckily we have a wonderful cafe in Wilton where you can enjoy the B&C food and coffee that you know and love, just 20 mins away from Fonthill. We do hope we will see you there.
"We are delighted to still be welcoming room guests to stay in our beautiful part of the world, and we are excited to pour our time and efforts into the farm shop and cafe in Wilton as it enters it’s fourteenth year of business… how time flies!"
Customers with bookings will be contacted in the coming days, according to Annie and Joff.
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