A RESTAURANT in Marlow has closed its doors for good as it makes way for a new bistro-style eatery.

As reported last month, Thai Square on West Street announced it is making way for French Bistro chain Cote Brasserie, with the new business holding a recruitment day last week for up to 20 new staff.

Thai Square director Haim Damous said the restaurant had traded successfully during its five years, and that he was sad to announce the closure.

But he admitted Thai chefs are in short supply and that staff had been transferred to help launch their new ventures in West London.

Staff at Thai eatery Giggling Squid, which opened just two weeks ago on the same street, said a group of Thai Square workers enquired about jobs at the rival Thai restaurant after hearing the news.

Cote Brasserie, which produces what it calls “reasonably-priced bistro French cooking”, will open its doors in the spring, though the chain has not yet confirmed an exact opening date.

A planning application has been lodged with Wycombe District Council to hang new signs on the outside of the former pub.

Thai Square will retain the freehold on the building, which will be leased by Cote.