TV chef’s UK pub to close on March 15 | UK | News
A gastropub backed by a TV chef has announced it is closing due to “challenging” running costs. Staff at The Mount by Glynn Purnell in Henley, Arden, Warwickshire, will serve their last customers on 15 March.
Glynn Purnell, a regular on the BBC’s Saturday Kitchen programme, said in a statement: “After four wonderful years the very difficult decision has been made to close The Mount. brasserie “It was a special place with a great team and amazing guests who supported us from day one.”
Mr Purnell said the hospitality environment was becoming increasingly challenging and despite everyone’s hard work, it was not sustainable to maintain it.
The UK has seen a number of hospitality administrations affecting thousands of jobs since the start of the year.
Hotels, bars and restaurants have been under huge pressure in recent months due to rising wage costs and falling consumer spending.
Business rates are expected to rise further this April following reforms announced in last November’s budget.
The Mount by Glynn Purnell said the decision to close was “difficult” and blamed rising running costs, rising food prices and energy bills for making the pub no longer financially viable.
According to the restaurant’s statement, staff will be supported throughout the closure and all suppliers will be paid.
Mr Purnell said: “I am very grateful for the opportunity and the commitment shown throughout. I wish the owners every success in the future.”
The chef, who has worked with Gordon Ramsay and Gary Rhodes, said he would focus on his other ventures, including Trillium and Plates by Purnell’s in Birmingham and The Wood Norton in Evesham.
The owners said: “This has been an incredibly difficult decision for us to make. We are proud of what The Mount has achieved since its opening in March 2022 and of the team who have worked tirelessly to make it such a welcoming and respected pub.”
They thanked staff, suppliers and customers who have supported The Mount over the past four years. The owners added: “We are committed to ensuring our team is well looked after and all suppliers are paid.
“We hope to see many of our guests before we close our doors on March 15.”
