A fine dining restaurant which closed its doors just six months after opening has failed to sell at auction.

The now vacant Carlyle’s opened in Sheerness High Street on January 7.

It was originally launched as Durtnall's in October but was rebranded after boss John Durtnall stepped down shortly before Christmas.

His business partner, and a former councillor, Lee McCall renamed it in honour of his grandfather.

Despite a £40,000 investment and his best efforts to turn the restaurant around, he was forced to close in mid-May after admitting business had been an “uphill struggle”.

The ground-floor former eatery has since gone up for auction with Clive Emson, but failed to sell for its £110,000 asking price.

A spokesman said: “The property is a ground floor commercial unit in Sheerness town centre. It was most recently let at £12,000 per year and is now being offered on a long-term lease.

“The property is accessed off Rose Street and may have potential for subdivision into two units, subject to all necessary consents being obtainable.”

The £110,000-plus valuation is a guide price, with auctioneers calculating the figure based on factors like rental value.

It has also been confirmed the site’s kitchen will be removed before completion.

It is not yet known when the property will be re-listed.

More information can be found on Clive Emson’s page at www.tinyurl.com/STcarlyles.