Residents have reacted with shock to the news of the closure of the much-loved Rubens Bakehouse and pizzeria in Heath Road in the centre of Twickenham.

A notice appeared in the window, which reads: "We have taken the difficult decision to close the business. We want to thank all our loyal customers and wish you well."

Igor Occhiali, who is originally from Tuscany, opened the much-loved artisan bakery and café, which was famed for its breakfast menu, in December 2012, and it became a fixture in the life of Twickenham families.

The business started as a kitchen table operation with the family making bread at their home in Ham before selling it at farmers' markets in Kew and Surbiton before taking the brave step of opening the shop in Heath Road.

It was famed for using traditional ingredients, methods and techniques with its pizzas cooked in a traditional wood-fired oven. At Christmas, there were fabulous mince pies, panettone and pastries.

Many residents took to Nextdoor to record their surprise and disappointment at the closure.

One from north Twickenham wrote: "Say it isn't so! This is so sad, we love Rubens. This is a massive loss to Twickenham."

Another expressed surprise, adding: "Supported Igor since before he had his shop back when he was baking from home and selling at Kew markets!"

A third wrote: "That's a real shame, loved the bread from this place.", while others praised the outlet's sourdough and its pizzas as "the best outside Italy".

A customer from nearby Twickenham Green, added: "Gutted to hear this. So sad for them.

"Delicious pizzas and their famous almond croissants used to sell out in record time! They've been closed so much recently at funny times I wondered what was going on."

Kevin Smith, of Twickenham Green, wrote: "This is so sad. Igor is a great guy and a superb bread maker. I was there when he sold his first batch of loaves at Kew Village Market. He had to borrow all his neighbours ovens to do it, and sold out very quickly."

Residents suggested the impact of the pandemic, the difficulty in finding staff and the arrival of Gail's on Church Street may have contributed to the decision to close.