Chef shuts restaurant after flag protests

One of Belfast’s most famous restaurants has shut.

Celebrity chef Paul Rankin, who once owned a string of eateries across Ireland, blamed the continuing union flag protests for his decision to close his flagship restaurant, Cayenne.

“Location is key in the restaurant business, particularly at a time of economic downturn, and our current setting is no longer sustainable. The disturbances around the flag protest, particularly during the Christmas period, also confirmed our decision,” he said.