A popular Italian restaurant has been reduced to takeout service only because of a staff shortage.

Portofino Restaurant in Hamilton, owned by Simone Maranzana and wife Karen, made the announcement online last Friday that it would shut on a temporary basis.

The post on social media added: “Since top notch service is paramount, we plan on reopening, when we are once again fully staffed and ready to serve you.”

The couple apologised to customers. But the post from the Bermudiana Road institution added that “we anticipate having our full staff back for Wednesday”.

They could not be contacted for further comment at the weekend.

The hospitality sector, which suffered a body blow from Covid-19 pandemic regulations, saw the restrictions eased last week after tables in restaurants, bars and clubs were no longer limited to a maximum of ten customers.