James Sommerin, the Michelin star restaurant on Penarth's Esplanade, has decided to close until it is safe to open again. However, they are using their leftover food produce to deliver quality meals to the staff at the local hospital.

They are currently searching for any local takeaway businesses who might have spare, new, takeaway boxes to lend to the cause.

The restaurant made an official statement to its customers and local residents.

They said: ''Following the Government's announcement on Friday 20th March 2020, Restaurant James Sommerin will be closing temporarily with immediate effect. We have also made the decision to stop our takeaway service.

''Our customers safety and that of our staff and ourselves are paramount, we want to do as much as we can to stop COVID 19, if closing completely for the time being and isolating ourselves is what we have to do we feel it is a small price to pay and hope you all understand.

''All the food we have left in the kitchen, James is cooking and preparing meals for the staff at the hospitals, so they can have a decent cooked meal while working in the extreme conditions they are having to work at the moment.

''Unfortunately, it is not clear how long we will be expected to close for, we are cancelling all dining and room reservations from Saturday 21st March 2020 to the end of April. We will review this on a regular basis online with Government guidelines.

''Any guests with bookings during this period will be contacted by our team, starting with those impacted first. We appreciate your patience in this matter.

''You will be given the opportunity to postpone or reschedule your reservations and any deposits or prepayments originally made will be held and carried forward to your new reservation.

''We will be extended all vouchers that have a valid expiry from 21st March 2020 for a further 6 months from the expiry date.

''This has been an extremely difficult time for Myself, Lou, our team, suppliers and families who all make Restaurant James Sommerin what it is. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your continued support and we look forward to welcoming you back in the near future.

''If the events of the past few weeks have taught us anything, it has taught us never to take anything for granted.

''Please stay safe and as our 9 Year daughter Elin, says, "keep smiling"

''We hope to see you all soon. James and Louise.''