A TOWN centre restaurant has closed today with immediate effect.

Argentinian steak chain CAU, in Holy Brook Walk, shut its doors today following the collapse of restaurant group Gaucho.

A notice posted on the door of the restaurant earlier this afternoon stated that administrators Deloitte LLP had been appointed, and that the restaurant had ceased trading indefinitely.

Restaurant staff have reportedly been calling customers with reservations to inform them of the closure.

It is estimated that around 540 jobs will be lost across the country following the collapse of the chain.

A Deloitte spokesman said: "We are taking steps to stabilise the business following our appointment and are now seeking expressions of interest in terms of a sale of the Gaucho business.

"We appreciate the support of the group’s colleagues and management team and other key stakeholders in achieving this aim."