THE famous Foxhunter restaurant, run by celebrity chef Matt Tebbutt, is to close in the new year.

The restaurant has been open for 13 years but, because of other work commitments, will revert to being a pub in January.

Matt's wife, Lisa, said, "It's very sad, but a necessity because of Matt's new show. He is going to be cooking in some amazing locations round the world. He's very excited that he'll use his cookery skills as well as his degree (Geography and Anthropology).

"We are leasing the Fox...so it will go back to being a pub.

"He also has a couple of restaurant ventures in the pipeline, in London and on the south coast, but Cardiff is also a possible future option.

Matt said, "Its a very sad decision after 13 years at The Foxhunter, but I have got a very exciting year ahead and we will stay living in Monmouthshire. I'd like to thank all our regulars for their support and hope to see them before we hand-over in January."