An Oxfordshire pub has been forced to close due to "untenable" staffing issues.

The Muddy Duck in Bicester announced it will temporarily close from today (April 21) due to issues with staffing and recruitment.

It has not been confirmed when the pub is expected to reopen.

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A statement from the pub said: "Due to ongoing, untenable issues with staffing and recruitment in the hospitality industry currently, we have made the sad and difficult decision to temporarily close The Muddy Duck.

"The premises will close as of this Friday, April 21.

"If you have an upcoming reservation with us this will regrettably be cancelled and you will be contacted shortly to this effect.

"Many thanks for your continued support. We'll be back to communicate future plans very soon."

The pub also had difficulties in hiring staff when reopening after the Covid-19 pandemic.

Despite having a three-star Michelin chef Pierre Koffmann, owners Gemma and Nigel did not have enough experienced staff on board to open their fine-dining restaurants.

Last May, Gemma said: “We simply can’t recruit enough front of house staff. We have a lovely young team, but we need five or six more experienced staff.

“Before opening, we reached out to people we know who have previously worked for us, but they are all now in different industries.

“The interior is done. The kitchen team are raring to go. But we can’t open the restaurants until we have enough staff.

“Brexit and Covid haven’t helped, and nowadays the younger generation can work from home in their pyjamas, so enticing them into hospitality is tough.”