OXTON restaurant Fraiche is to close for good later this year, its owner has confirmed.

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 this year that he had decided to stay put on Rose Mount.

However, posting on the restaurant's Facebook page, Marc revealed he needed "some much needed time and space to explore other projects, ideas and interests".

All current bookings will be honoured before the doors close at the end of September.

He wrote: "I have some good and some sad news to share with you; let's get the gloomy side out of the way first.

"The time has now come for me to step away from the restaurant side of Fraiche and give myself some much needed time and space to explore other projects, ideas and interests, which previously I have been unable to pursue and finally make the transition from one man and his restaurant to one man and his dog.

"All current bookings in the system will be honoured, but no more new reservations will be released … meaning that at the end of September I will be closing the restaurant side of Fraiche as you know it.

"18 years is a long time in one place and the intensity, drive and focus required to keep creating, developing and evolving Fraiche has been exciting but all consuming, not to mention physically and mentally draining.

"I am immensely proud of everything I have achieved at Fraiche over the years and feel incredibly lucky to have had this opportunity to put Merseyside proudly on the culinary map."

Looking to the future, Marc added: "The "Fraiche" name will not be going away any time soon.

"There are so many ideas and projects which have been racing around my brain for a long time, and now finally I will be able to devote the time and energy to their fruition.

"Please stay signed up to our social media platforms to be the first to hear of any “Fraiche” news about future projects, events and developments.

"This is not the end, just simply a change in my direction.

"Thank you for all your support and love for Fraiche."