Liam and Ellis Barrie close Liverpool's Lerpwl restaurant
Brothers Liam and Ellis Barrie have closed their Lerpwl restaurant in Liverpool after its landlord demanded a £30,000 payment in a dispute over pandemic rent debt.
In an open letter, Liam wrote the business was "no match for the voracity of Covid" and had shut with immediate effect.
He said that lawyers for Lloyd's Bank, the restaurant's landlord at the Royal Albert Dock development, had demanded the £30,000 following an arbitration process.
"In a different circumstance we would proceed to the next legal soiree but alas we bow out," wrote Liam.
"It cannot continue that the Lerpwl team over-reach to meet our standards of delivery only for the revenue created to be absorbed in the legal entanglement."
The brothers, who won acclaim for their Marram Grass restaurant at their parents' caravan park in Anglesey, opened Lerpwl at Liverpool's Royal Albert Dock development in autumn 2020 after the pandemic delayed its launch by six months.
Liam said economic challenges had "taken their toll" on the restaurant despite several restructures of the team and menu. He added that vacancies in the hospitality industry remained "catastrophic" and that tourist footfall at the Royal Albert Dock had not yet fully returned.
In a statement, Liam said the brothers would look at reopening the restaurant in another location.
He added: "Lerpwl has built up a loyal following over the years and the right location to relaunch the restaurant in the future will be explored.
"In the meantime, other projects will remain: Anglesey's role will continue to re-emerge as a project base for all things food, drink and education. The educational and event features that Lerwpl participated in will continue and other projects and discussions will continue to be explored and developed."
Liam and Ellis plan to work with members of the Lerpwl team to find them employment opportunities following the closure of the restaurant.
Liam wrote: "So many have invested so much good will to keep [Lerpwl] going across the past three years. We will forever be grateful for all involved: The team, guests, suppliers and well wishers."
Lloyds Bank has been contacted for comment.
