A restaurant described as "a landmark" and a piece of Bushey history is closing its doors for the very last time.

The Alpine Restaurant in High Road, Bushey Heath, was started as a small café by Giacomo and Marisa Harkin 47 years ago.

Since then, the business has become a Bushey institution but its director James Harkin, the son of the founder Giacomo, is now preparing to hang up his apron and sell the premises.

He said: “I am absolutely devastated. I have been working here for most of my life.

“If I was an only child, I would like to keep it open but my dad wants to sell up and divide it amongst me and my sisters.

“I have been working here since I was 13 but my dad just wanted to retire.

“We have a lot of gratitude for all the people who have come over the years. I don’t think it could have been as successful without them.

“We have been here for such a long time. We have had a good life at Alpine. It will be sadly missed.”

Mr Harkin posted a statement on Facebook announcing that the restaurant will close at the end of the month.

It describes the closure as an emotional moment for the whole family and thanks the staff who have worked "selflessly" over the years.

People in the village were sad at the prospect of the restaurant's closure, but also pessimistic about the building's future.

Bushey Forum chairman Linda Rauch said: “It’s sad to see a landmark go. We understand that development is the future of most places.

“Bushey has a character and the Alpine is part of that character. On a personal level, I am very sad to see it go.

“The Alpine is a landmark and It is a great shame we are losing yet another piece of old Bushey.

“Like the local stables, The Paddock, and The Black Boy pub, places are being put up for sale with a sense of loss and at times much objection from many in the community.”

Customers expressed their disappointment on social media.

David Will, 51, of Merry Hill Road, said: “I am upset for a couple of reasons. The Alpine was the first restaurant I ever went to as a child. It is a bit of Bushey history.

“A lot of people “Another reason why I am upset is because Bushey is turning into a concrete city. It’s ruining the area.”

The Alpine Restaurant will close on February 21.