Rachel Reeves blamed as top UK restaurant to close – in business for 28 years | UK | News

The owners of one of Brighton and Hove’s leading restaurants have “regretfully” announced they will be closing their first restaurant in 28 years. The Michelin Guide restaurant has been operating since 1998 but has now announced that it will soon close its doors for good due to “rising costs” that make it “impossible” for them to continue. The decision was described as “heartbreaking” and “difficult” to make by owners Pamela and Ben McKellar.

Located just off Norfolk Square in Brighton, Gingerman has become the flagship of the Gingerman Group and has built a strong reputation for quality modern cooking in a friendly neighborhood setting. The restaurant is listed in the Michelin Guide and was recently featured in the Michelin Guide “Best Restaurants in Brighton & Hove”. The guide described the restaurant as a long-standing neighborhood restaurant a short distance from the sea, with a “slightly Scandic look and a friendly feel”, and praised the restaurant for its “understated modern fare” which “provides plenty of charm and has an unforced natural style and good clarity of flavour”.

Throughout its 28-year history, many credit the restaurant with helping to establish Brighton and Hove as a serious dining destination.

In a post shared on social media, owners Pamela and Ben McKellar said it was a “tough decision” they “had to make.”

The restaurant’s owners blamed Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ two budgets for increasing the cost of operating the restaurant. These have led to increases in employer National Insurance contributions, the National Living Wage and business rates. Businesses have warned they will struggle to cover extra costs after the Covid-era interest rate cut ends in April and properties are revalued.

Pamela McKellar said: “Unfortunately we will have to close.

“We can’t afford all the increases that are happening. The last two budgets absolutely killed us and then rates went up in April and that was the final nail in the coffin of a small restaurant that cooks everything from scratch with great produce from local suppliers.”

Ben McKellar continued: “There’s only so much money you can get in a 30-seat restaurant, all the costs and tax burdens add up and that’s not sustainable for small independent restaurants.

“We know other people are struggling too. It’s a tough time. You’re not alone.”

The owners also wrote in the statement: “After 28 incredible years, we are sharing something we never thought we would have to say. It is with a heavy heart that we announce the closing of our first restaurant, Gingerman’s.”

“Gingerman’s has become what it is over the years, thanks entirely to you. Our guests, our supporters, and our friends. You filled our tables with laughter, celebrated life’s milestones with us, and made the restaurant feel like home.”

“We also want to thank every team member we have had the privilege of working with. Your passion, care and talent have made Gingerman’s what it is today. You have brought everything to life, from the kitchen to the front of the house.

“We’ve been proud to be part of Brighton’s food scene for nearly three decades. Any impact we’ve had is only because of your support, loyalty and the friendships we’ve made along the way. You’ve kept coming back, you’ve championed us and you’ve made this journey so much more than we could have ever imagined.

“Like many in our industry, the rising costs of running a restaurant have made it impossible for our small 30-person business to continue. This decision was not taken lightly and comes with real heartbreak.”

Ms. and Mr. McKellar said they would not close the restaurant immediately, but would give customers a chance to visit one last time and say a final goodbye before it closes for good.

“We will not be closing immediately, but we will be closing our doors for the last time in the coming months. Before we do so, we would like to use this time to say a fitting farewell to the Ginger Man. We would love to welcome as many of you as possible over the coming weeks to share a meal, a glass and a few memories together before we say goodbye.

“Despite this sad closing, we want to share that we are incredibly invested in and excited about the future of The Flint House, The Ginger Pig and The Ginger Fox. We look forward to continuing to welcome you there and creating many more unforgettable experiences together.”

Gingerman in Norfolk Square, Brighton, opened in 1998 and was the flagship store of the Gingerman restaurant group. The group has three other sites in Sussex: Flinthouse in Brighton, The Ginger Pig in Hove and The Ginger Fox in Muddleswood.

Many people reacted to the news in the comments section.

One person wrote: “Pam and Ben were heartbroken to see this. Be proud of the magic you create and know that everyone you accept as a customer has so much love and respect for you and your incredible teams. It’s also nice to remind us that we need to support our local accommodations.”

“This is so sad,” another customer said. Another added: “I’m so sorry to hear this. How can the hospitality industry survive despite the pressure it’s under?”