A MICHELIN-STARRED chef who worked with TV chef Marco Pierre White has announced the shock closure of her top restaurant.
After 12 years, the head chef finally revealed “with a heavy heart” that her longstanding London restaurant will serve its last dish this Friday.
A michelin-starred restaurant in Chelsea, London, is closing[/caption]
The Five Fields is closing this week will serve its last customers on Friday[/caption]
Head Chef Marguerite Keogh announced the closure in an Instagram post yesterday[/caption]
Marguerite Keogh, one of the most decorated female chefs in London, has shared online that her restaurant The Five Fields is closing.
Having worked under critically acclaimed chef Marco Pierre White, who also trained Gordon Ramsey, Marguerite was able to open a restaurant that quickly became successful.
She thanked all her loyal customers in the post as well as her suppliers for providing the team with the “finest ingredients and support.”
The Five Fields, in the heart of Chelsea – one of UK’s wealthiest areas, has now been part of the London hospitality scene for more than a decade.
In an emotional Instagram post, she wrote: ” It is with heavy hearts that after more than 12 years we will be closing our doors with the last service this Friday 28th February.
“We are incredibly grateful to all of our guests for their generous patronage and support over the years, as well as to our dedicated suppliers who have provided us with the finest ingredients and support.
“Most importantly, we would like to express our profound gratitude and appreciation to our exceptional team members, past and present, who have always been the driving force behind our successes.”
Chef Marguerite said despite being sad to let the Blacklands Terrace street restaurant go she is excited about projects to come.
“We are truly honoured to have been part of the hospitality community for the last dozen years and look forward to future projects,” the post continued.
“There are a few tables available between now and Friday and reservations can be made now via our website.”
The menu offered a range of modern British cuisines including artichoke with scallops and sunflower sauce or fallow deer with saddle and pickled parsnips.
With swanky decor and meticulously designed dishes, down to the last drizzle, the venue oozed luxury.
Since it opened in 2013, the Five Fields has won numerous awards including a Michelin Star, an appearance on the Sunday Times top 100 Restaurants in the UK, and a mention in AA’s ‘Wine list of the year’.
Devastated customers were gutted to see the restaurant go, and diners took to social media to share their condolences with Marguerite and her staff.
One wrote: “So sad for you all but bigger and better things await.
Another upset customer added: “So sad!”
A third diner responded: “OMG so sorry to hear this.”
The Five Fields isn’t the only restaurant closing, as hundreds other UK venues face struggles.
Masterchef star Tom Kitchin announced the closure of Michelin-hailed Kora in January.
Kitchin said the restaurant has faced a challenging “current economic climate” which led him to close – something he described as a “difficult decision.”
Manchester-based restaurateur Michael Clay said it was “impossible for us to make money anymore” with Covid-19 restrictions as he shut his pizzeria Dokes.
Staff was sad to share that the Italian-style venue would be shutting this month, saying: “Try as we might, it’s just not been possible for us to make the money required.”
Hundreds of venues have been hit by an array of financial burdens in the past few years.
Aside from the pandemic, and looming tax spikes, the cost of living crisis has led to fewer Brits splashing the cash.
Without as much disposable income, fewer customers pour money into hospitality making it difficult to sustain.
It was revealed that six pubs were shut every week last year as they were hit by rising business costs.
What is happening to the hospitality industry?
By Laura McGuire, consumer reporter
MANY Food and drink chains have been struggling in recently as the cost of living has led to fewer people spending on eating out.
Businesses had been struggling to bounce back after the pandemic, only to be hit with soaring energy bills and inflation.
Multiple chains have been affected, resulting in big-name brands like Wetherspoons and Frankie & Benny’s closing branches.
Some chains have not survived, Byron Burger fell into administration last year, with owners saying it would result in the loss of over 200 jobs.
Pizza giant, Papa Johns is shutting down 43 of its stores soon.
Tasty, the owner of Wildwood, said it will shut sites as part of major restructuring plans.
