Celebrity Chef Reveals Why His Wiltshire Restaurant Suddenly Closed
Celebrity chef, presenter, and restaurateur Rick Stein spoke candidly about the unexpected closure of his only Wiltshire restaurant during an exclusive interview with the Wiltshire Gazette and Herald.
Background and Career
Known for his award-winning restaurants across the UK and his numerous cookbooks, Rick Stein opened his Marlborough restaurant in 2016. It became his sixth establishment under the ‘Rick Stein’ brand in England, offering classic dishes such as Dover sole a la meunière and turbot hollandaise.
Closure and Reasons
The restaurant abruptly shut its doors on October 5, leaving locals surprised. During his interview, Stein explained that the decision was driven by financial realities rather than choice.
“We decided to close because there just wasn’t enough business,” he said. “We’re not going under, but we are having to restructure our business just because of the hard time we’re going through.”
Industry Struggles
Stein highlighted that his challenges reflect a wider industry problem, with hospitality businesses across the UK facing rising costs and tightening margins.
“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
Despite the setback, Stein continues to focus on his upcoming book and television work, sharing an enduring passion for good food and honest cooking.
Author’s Summary: Rick Stein attributed the sudden closure of his Marlborough restaurant to economic hardship and reduced trade, echoing the difficulties faced across the UK hospitality sector.