Jeremy's restaurant in Haywards Heath to close after more than 20 years

Long-standing restaurant Jeremy's near Haywards Heath in Sussex is to close next month after more than 20 years of trading.

Owners Jeremy and Vera Ashpool are seeking to retire after 40 years in the hospitality industry.

Head chef Jimmy Gray is also moving on and the Ashpools said in a post on the restaurant website that they had decided against recruiting a new kitchen team after being unable to agree terms for the succession with their landlords.

Fine dining restaurant Jeremy's, which has been based at its Borde Hill site since 1998, has a Michelin plate recommendation in the 2021 Great Britain and Ireland guide and holds two-AA-rosettes. It will run its last dinner service on 1 October.

However, the couple's next door Cafe Elvira will reopen following a two-week break on 20 October. It will trade from 9am to 5pm Wednesday to Sunday and two evenings per week on Friday and Saturdays for brasserie-style supper.

The plan is to use the restaurant space for pop-up suppers, nutritional courses and cookery classes.

The team said in a statement: "Our sincerest thanks to all our friends and customers – some still remember our first fledgling bistro, Elvira's, in Cuckfield, followed by the first Jeremy's at the King's Head and then Jeremy's at the Crabtree, Lower Beeding.

"The journey has been rich and rewarding but the time has now come to start dreaming about grilling sardines on an open fire at sunset on a sandy far away shore! Thanks for sharing good times with us."

Image: Facebook @jeremysrestaurant