A venue that has become a Ludlow institution is to close its doors.

The Chang Thai on Market Street is known for its eclectic art, great food and loads of events.

" It plays to the mature customers in Ludlow," says Councillor Andy Boddington, "but also, for those awake after nine at night at weekends, for younger people. "One young woman I spoke to today said, “It was always our ambition as Ludlow kids. Get old enough for ID and go to the Thai.”

It is a venue for our age. But from mid-summer, Chang Thai will be closed.

"Adam Tutt and his team have worked so hard to make Chang Thai work," added Mr Boddington. "To combine good food, fun and art. To make the venue unique to Ludlow."

"They worked flat out to create a venue that was comfortable, a little bit odd and served great Thai food. I am really sad as I have always enjoyed the Thai when it is busy and when it is quiet.

Adam Tutt said: “It has been a glorious 20 years but all good things come to an end. I have decided not to renew the lease and we will close at the end of July. In the meantime, I hope you will join us for one last hurrah of a summer!"

The Thai Barbecue on Sundays over the summer is a fixture of Ludlow’s season, and the Old Dic Theatre, a hammed-up drama, has become a Ludlow tradition. The Chang Thai has been a strong supporter of the Ludlow Fringe from the outset.

"We need places in Ludlow that are a bit off the wall. We would be a dull town if we become just like everywhere else."

The good news, Mr Boddington concludes, is that Adam and his team will still be at the helm at the Blue Boar.