A Wiltshire businessman says his lifelong dream has been snatched away after huge bills forced him to close his town centre tapas bar.

Chris Lug fulfilled a long-held ambition when he opened Esta Aqui Tapas Bar in Devizes Market Place last September.

But just nine months later the Devizes born businessman has been forced to cut his dream short and close his restaurant for good.

Mr Lug told this paper that the pressure of sky-high utility bills, combined with consumers facing a cost of living crisis, meant the tapas bar had not received enough support to remain viable.

He said: “It has been my lifelong dream to have that building and to offer something different and unique.

“It’s just unfortunate that the utility bills have done considerable damage to us in these times, because I think three or four years ago this would’ve been great but now people don’t have the money.

Wiltshire Times: The inside of the restaurant The inside of the restaurant (Image: Newsquest)

“It’s a sign of the times, opening a restaurant after Covid was a tough decision to make but we thought we could do it, it just didn’t pan out because of bad timing and we’re very upset.”

Mr Lug’s decision to close was also accelerated by ill health, as a result of the stress and workload of running the restaurant.

Esta Aqui had enjoyed early success in the town centre by bringing Spanish culture and cuisine to Wiltshire at a “very affordable” price.

Despite having to close within their first year, Mr Lug said the bar was well received by a group of core customers.

He added: “You can see from our Facebook and TripAdvisor there were positives, it was a beautiful little restaurant and an easy concept that made people feel like they were on holiday.

“Lots of customers have loved it and we’ve had great reviews.

Wiltshire Times: The inside of the restaurant The inside of the restaurant (Image: Newsquest)

“I’d like to thank Gaiger Bros because they were great landlords and I’d like to thank the staff that I have for all their support and being with me.”

Last year Mr Lug warned people that independent businesses would not be able to survive without the support of the public.

“I hope people understand the effort small businesses put in and that if you don’t use it, you’ll lose it”, he said.

“You can go and eat in chain restaurants but it’s the little guys that need you more and look after you more.”