WIRRAL restaurant Fraiche has closed with its owner confirming plans to relocate and open in Shropshire.

The Michelin-starred venue was opened by local chef Marc Wilkinson in 2004 and has won a loyal following from diners and critics ever since.

In 2018, he looked to move Fraiche to a larger site, but announced earlier last year that he had decided to stay put on Rose Mount, Oxton.

However, posting on the restaurant's Facebook page, Marc announced his plans to leave Wirral and 'evolve Fraiche' in Shropshire.

His message read: "The eagle-eyed local guests may have noticed the Fraiche signage has been removed and the infamous moon is now down and safely into my backpack.

"This can only mean Fraiche is indeed on the move and I leave Oxton filled with many memories and pride of what I have achieved so far with Fraiche not forgetting the wonderful people I have met along the way.

"Now it’s time to evolve Fraiche and relocate it to the stunning countryside of Shropshire.

"A huge thank you to all who have supported the restaurant and hope some of you venture down to try the new environment this summer."

Marc said bookings will be released on June 1 on its new website at Fraiche.

His statement continued: "The menu style will continue at the same high standards, the chef and of course octopus and the moon will be reassuringly familiar to you and unfortunately you will still have to suffer Prince on the playlist.

"One new bonus for guests will be the option to stay over in my guest room and we will now offer private parking which is such a luxury compared to the gridlocked village I leave behind.

"Thank you, Marc at Fraiche."