A vegan restaurant in Norwich has been forced to close after delays with a new investment.

Hank's Dirty Vegan came to the city in 2022 and moved from Castle Social on the top floor of Castle Quarter to a larger space at the front of the centre in 2023.

The chain has other restaurants in Colchester, Felixstowe and Ipswich which will also close.

Norwich Evening News: Hank's Dirty came to Norwich in 2022Hank's Dirty came to Norwich in 2022 (Image: Newsquest)In an announcement on Facebook, the business said: "After five years, I've had to make the awful decision to stop trading.

"Hank's was heading into a successful summer season with lots of plans on the go.

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"These exciting changes were funded by a new business investment that was to be brought into the business in early May.

"Unfortunately, the company facilitating this investment delayed the payment for three months at the very last moment.

Norwich Evening News: The vegan restaurant is also closing venues in Ipswich, Colchester and FelixstoweThe vegan restaurant is also closing venues in Ipswich, Colchester and Felixstowe (Image: Newsquest)
"We've spent the past few days doing everything we could to try and resolve the situation, but it has left the business in a bankrupt situation."

The Hank's outlet which operates in Cambridge in association with another business will remain open.

Rob Bradley, manager of Castle Quarter, added: “We are sad to confirm that Hank's Dirty in Castle Quarter has closed.

"The business has been hugely popular with our customers since it first opened as a takeaway and will be a huge loss to vegan diners in Norwich.”

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It comes amid several changes to the food offering at Castle Quarter.

Gringos Nacho Factory is set to launch at Castle Social in June and it will join Giant Yorkie Roast Co which opened at the venue on May 11.

The StreetFood Box closed its Castle Social venue last month after taking up kitchen residencies across the county and launching the On The Go Cookie Doh shop on the Great Yarmouth Pavillion Pier.