Celebrity Chef Explains Wiltshire Restaurant Closure
Rick Stein, a renowned chef, presenter, and restaurateur, has shared insight into why he closed his only Wiltshire restaurant. Known for his chain of popular UK restaurants and numerous cookbooks, Stein opened his Marlborough location in 2016, the sixth in England.
Background on the Marlborough Restaurant
The Wiltshire restaurant featured some of Stein’s signature dishes, such as Dover sole à la meunière and turbot hollandaise. Despite its reputation, the restaurant abruptly closed on October 5.
Reasons Behind the Closure
In an exclusive interview with the Wiltshire Gazette and Herald, Stein explained the tough economic climate and a shrinking customer base forced the closure. He expressed reluctance about the decision but emphasized the need for business restructuring.
“We decided to close because there just wasn’t enough business,” Stein said. “We’re not going under, but we are having to restructure our business just because of the hard time we’re going through.”
Stein also highlighted the challenges facing the wider hospitality sector.
“The whole hospitality industry is suffering. Personally, I think it’s a mixture of the government’s last budget and the quite grim economic time we have been going through.”
Looking Ahead
While the closure is a setback, Stein remains optimistic about his business's future and upcoming projects, including a new book and TV appearance.
Author’s summary: Rick Stein closed his Wiltshire restaurant due to economic pressures and fewer customers but plans to navigate these challenges through business restructuring and new ventures.