A POPULAR Carlisle tea room has announced with the 'heaviest heart' that they are set to permanently close after six years in business.

Anazao Tea Room on Cecil Street, which is owned and operated by mother and daughter duo Elaine and Kaite Goodchild, will close its doors for the final time on Saturday, September 2, with the news being confirmed on the tea room's social media page. 

In the statement, Katie said: "It’s with the heaviest heart and not an easy decision for us to make at all but myself and mum would like to let you all know that as of this Saturday, September 2, the cafe will be permanently closed.

"We have built this business up for six years now. I’m so proud of us and the amount of time and effort we’ve put into making this business the success that it is today.

"This journey has been amazing, we’ve made the most loyal and genuine customers who we’re now lucky enough to call our friends, and can honestly say we’ve had such a ball - learnt so much about ourselves and it’s hugely helped my confidence but it’s time for me to step it up and head into a new career and challenge."

Katie, whilst not confirming the reason for the tearoom's closure, also thanked the local community for supporting the tea room during its six-year journey. 

"I’ll never forget any of you, when I first opened up at 18 years old I had no idea what to expect, but now at nearly 25 years old I’m leaving with so much more experience, confidence, and life skills," she added.

"I’m so grateful to each and every one of you who joined this journey with us and made it the success that it is."