A TOP-rated Dorset restaurant has closed just months after moving to Iwerne Minster.

The Wild Garlic was opened by Masterchef 2009 winner Mat Follas in Beaminster that same year, and received rave reviews from critics, including two of the highest ever ratings in The Telegraph (9/10) and The Guardian (9.5/10), two AA rosettes and recommendations in The Good Food Guide, The Michelin Guide and Trencherman's Guide.

In April, Mr Follas said he was relocating the restaurant to the The Talbot in the North Dorset village of Iwerne Minster, where there was more space for diners.

However, on Twitter today just four months after the move, the New Zealand-born chef announced the restaurant’s closure.

He tweeted: “I'm frustrated and deeply saddened to announce the closure of The Wild Garlic for the foreseeable future.

“Thanks for the messages, lots of sorting out to be done, my pockets weren't deep enough sadly although we are still in discussions with partners.”

A message on the restaurant’s website states: “We are closed, we'd like to thank our many customers and friends for their business over the last four and a half years.

“We'd like to apologise for any inconvenience caused.

“More information on the closure will be posted here as soon as we have it.”

Mr Follas also opened the Chesil Beach Café on Portland in July last year following a £1.1 million refurbishment of the Chesil Beach Centre, however the restaurant passed to new owners eight months later.

Both of his restaurants focused on the use of locally-sourced and wild food ingredients, and he has written many articles on foraging for national publications.