A CELEBRITY hangout run by the man behind the defunct House bar and restaurant in Worcester has closed suddenly.

Amanzi in Liverpool, a multi-million pound venture by Riad Erraji, shut up shop this week just five months after a grand opening.

This development comes after House in the CrownGate Shopping Centre, another business involving Mr Erraji, closed in a cloud of mystery and controversy last October.

Mouldy coffee mugs, discarded ketchup bottles and abandoned furniture were left for all to see in the Worcester venue while staff alleged their salaries had not been paid.

The closure of Amanzi – which boasts footballer Fabio Borini, glamour model Danielle Lloyd and Coronation Street star Ryan Thomas as recent visitors – is however only temporary, according to the company.

A spokesman for the restaurant said: “We have taken the decision to temporarily close Amanzi in order to address some internal issues.

“The venue will however continue to open for major events such as our popular bank holiday brunches and weddings.

“The short break in trading will allow us the opportunity to perfect our customer experience as we make some major improvements.

“All staff and suppliers have been paid in full. We look forward to sharing news about our exciting future plans in the very near future.”

Mr Erraji, who is operating partner of Amanzi, was previously married to Atomic Kitten’s Natasha Hamilton and is now dating Hollyoaks star Stephanie Waring.

Before its temporary closure, Amanzi restaurant in Liverpool claimed to “set the gold standard for cocktails, service and food” in the city, according to its website.

Meanwhile work is underway to convert the former House bar in Worcester into a Wildwood restaurant, offering freshly prepared pastas, pizzas and grills.