A PRESTIGIOUS Taunton restaurant has temporarily closed as a precaution after a customer and a member of staff's partner tested positive for Covid-19.

Existing bookings at Augustus, in The Courtyard, have been cancelled for the next fortnight, while customers are being turned away during the closure, which will continue until Tuesday week (September 22).

There is no evidence the two cases are connected or that the virus was contracted at the restaurant in either case.

Referring to the quarantine, owner and head chef Richard Guest said: "We're taking precautionary track and trace measures.

"None of the members of staff have symptoms.

"We are following Government guidelines to keep our customers and staff safe.

"We are not taking any risks.

"We are deep cleaning the place in our staff bubble."

Measures, including screens at the tables, were installed to protect customers and staff when Augustus re-opened following lockdown.

The restaurant was fully booked during last month's Eat Out to Help Out initiative when diners could get a discount of up to £10 from Monday to Wednesday.

Customers travelled from far and wide to Augustus, which has built a growing reputation for fine food and drink.