Celebrity Chef Explains Reasons Behind Sudden Wiltshire Restaurant Closure
Celebrity chef, presenter, and restaurateur Rick Stein has reflected on the recent closure of his only restaurant in Wiltshire during an exclusive interview with the Wiltshire Gazette and Herald.
Known for his chain of popular UK restaurants and numerous cookbooks, Stein opened his Marlborough venue in 2016, marking the sixth “Rick Stein restaurant” in England. It featured several of his signature dishes, such as Dover sole à la meunière and turbot hollandaise.
The Sudden Closure
On October 5, the Marlborough restaurant abruptly closed its doors. Discussing the decision, Stein admitted it was a difficult move, driven by financial pressures and a shrinking customer base.
“We decided to close because there just wasn’t enough business,”
“We’re not going under, but we are having to restructure our business just because of the hard time we’re going through.”
Industry Challenges
Stein emphasized the broader struggles facing the hospitality sector, citing rising costs and a tough economic climate.
“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.”
Conclusion
While the closure marks the end of a chapter for Marlborough, Stein continues to focus on new projects, including an upcoming TV appearance and his latest book.
Author’s Summary: Rick Stein closed his Marlborough restaurant due to declining business and tough economic conditions but remains active with new projects despite industry struggles.