'Small businesses are struggling everywhere': Will Devlin closes the Curlew
Will Devlin has closed the Curlew restaurant in Bodiam, East Sussex and warned small businesses are "struggling everywhere".
In a statement on Wednesday (2 November) the chef said a rise in energy bills and the current economic climate had "forced our hand" and the site had closed with immediate effect.
Devlin said: "The Curlew opened three weeks before the first national lockdown and went through the rollercoaster of successive reopening and closing. Despite loyal guests and acclaim from national restaurant critics, the current climate and substantially increased energy bills have forced our hand to make this decision.
"We have told the team and will be doing our best to relocate them to our other sites, which are unaffected by this decision.
"I would like to thank all of our team past and present for giving 100% of themselves to creating what we did at the Curlew.
"I want to also thank everyone who has dined with us over the years, you have made it possible for us to do what we love and we are truly grateful for the experience you have made possible for us."
Devlin opened the Curlew in early 2020 and it is recommended in the Michelin Guide Great Britain and Ireland 2022. In a review in the Guardian, critic Grace Dent said her two hours at the restaurant had been "almost as lovely as the job gets".
The Curlew is the latest in a string of closures being announced ahead of the winter. In the last month Crockers Henley, two Woky Ko sites and the Star Inn the Harbour are among those who have shut down blaming rising costs.
The Caterer has heard from several restaurant owners who are temporarily mothballing their businesses until the spring to avoid a hike in food and energy bills.
Devlin added: "Small business are struggling everywhere, as I know families are too. Please be kind, support your local pub, restaurant, farm shop, butcher, fishmonger whatever it may be. They need you and a little help from a lot of people goes a long way."
