THE OWNER of a Dorchester wine bar has thanked all those who supported it over the last two years after announcing he was "regretfully" calling time on the venue.

Jim Ross confirmed that Durnovaria Wine Bar and Café in South Street had ceased trading.

The establishment opened in September 2013 and hosted regular music sessions for local acts as well as events promoting local produce.

However, Mr Ross has said that the running costs proved too high compared to the level of trade he was attracting and he has been forced to shut Durnovaria's doors.

He said: "Regretfully Durnovaria Wine Bar and Café is now closed for business.

"The ethos behind this project was to provide a comfortable public venue that could promote and showcase as much local produce and culture as possible due to the outstanding quality of food, drink, art, literature, music and history that is available throughout the region.

"Dorchester is blessed to have outstanding local businesses that all contribute naturally and enormously to the local economy, it is their great effort and underestimated local financial benefit that puts them aside from the growing chain culture in which we live.

"Not one of them will take your money and send it all to head office in London, they will reinvest it locally and this is something vital to the area and should be understood and supported wholeheartedly by all not just a representation.

"The business was well known for its struggles and could have found national notoriety for quite possibly being the only bar in the country threatened with prosecution should it open after 11pm on New Year’s Eve.

"However, in the real world the costs of running it were too high for the level of trade it garnered over the two years."

Mr Ross went on to thank the "truly fantastic crew" who had worked at or supported the venue.

He said: "I have made many friends and I would like to take this opportunity to wish great fortune, support and exposure to all the other local businesses, something they thoroughly deserve.

"Also and very fondly to thank the many great friends and supporters of Durnovaria who visited us regularly throughout. I hope to see you around soon and thank you personally."

Dorchester BID (Business Improvement District) project director Phil Gordon said he was disappointed to see Durnovaria close its doors.

He said: "I'm very sad to hear the news because Durnovaria was doing a great job of promoting locally sourced products and offering a unique combination of atmosphere and content."