Artichoke bistro in Chester closes due to 'financial pressures'
Independent bar and bistro Artichoke in Chester has permanently closed after 12 years of trading.
The well-loved venue posted a statement on its website and social media yesterday (10 May), blaming "ongoing financial pressures".
It is the latest in a growing number of independent hospitality venues closing their doors, with Bully's and Sopra 73 in Cardif both confirming their closure over the bank holiday weekend.
Artichoke wrote on Twitter: "Hi folks - regretfully we have decided to cease trading. The current economic climate after these tough few years had made it too difficult for this big old building. Thank you all so very much for the love and support of ‘choke over the last 12 years."
The bar and bistro, which was located on the ground floor of the former Steam Mill building by Chester canal, was listed in the 2023 Good Beer Guide.
News of the closure has prompted an outpouring of support on social media from across the hospitality industry.
The Chainbridge hotel in Llangollen wrote on Twitter: "Terribly sad news – a brilliant place run by clearly passionate and hardworking pros. All the very best."
Natalie Isaac, director of the Bar 44 group, tweeted: "Another short post signalling the end of another independent business - absolutely [heartbreaking]. Years of hard work, jobs & much more disappearing from a community. The ludicrous April utility bills for many are just devastating & closing businesses. Silence is deafening from @UKGov @ofgem."
Levanter Tapas Restaurant, which closed its Ramsbottom restaurant after nine years last month, said: "Another end of an era, and so many of us set up in the same era, circa 2011. It truly was an optimistic time for many independents, who worked so hard to establish themselves and contributed so much to the [government] coffers over the following years, sad times."
Hospitality operators have warned of "mass closures" following a cut in energy bill support last month, with many trapped in high-paying contracts.
Restaurant closures in the last month have included Puro and 28 Market Place in Somerset, and SpiceBox's last remaining site in London's Walthamstow. Casual dining chain Prezzo is also set to close 46 sites across the country.
