A popular Italian restaurant chain could close permanently because of coronavirus losses.

Carluccio's is understood to be preparing to appoint administrators after being forced to close its restaurants amid the pandemic.

The move could put more than 2,000 jobs at risk.

In Kent, the chain – which was founded by chef Antonio Carluccio 21 years ago - has a branch at Bluewater, Canterbury's Fenwick store and in Tunbridge Wells.

The news comes just hours after it was announced a notice of intention to appoint an administrator was filed for the Mexican restaurant chain, Chiquito.

A spokesman for The Restaurant Group, the parent company that owns Chiquito, said the decision had been "incredibly difficult".

He added: "We recognise the significant impact on all of our colleagues that are affected. We thank them for their hard work and commitment during these very testing times."

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