BETTYS' famous tea rooms have all been temporarily closed following yesterday’s Government advice about social venues.

The company, which has two tea rooms in York - on St Helen's Square and on Stonegate - has issued a statement saying it has closed its six cafés and Bettys Cookery School.

It said: "They’ll stay closed until advice changes and there’s no longer a need for social distancing."

Bettys' shops will remain open as usual for the time being, as will its mail order service (www.bettys.co.uk).

The statement added: "So do pop by to pick up a treat or place an order online and we’ll deliver to your door. You may not be able to come to our café, but our café can come to you.

"Although we’re sad to close our cafés, it is absolutely the right thing to do at this time. In the coming days and weeks we may have to take further steps to do our bit to get everyone through this strange and difficult time.

"Bettys has been around for 100 years, and once this passes we’ll still be here; kettle on, cakes freshly baked, with a smile for all who visit us."