'Hospitality is being so squeezed we cannot see a single sunlit upland'
Independent Spanish restaurant Levanter in Ramsbottom has permanently closed after nine years due to a struggle with rising costs.
It comes just four months after the team had to close the restaurant's bar and dining room space, citing a rise in energy bills.
Owners Fiona and Joe Botham shared the news on social media yesterday (4 April), prompting an outpouring of industry support.
"We're so sorry to confirm that Levanter is now closed," the Bothams wrote. "We could list all the reasons why but ultimately the high street, suburbs and hospitality in particular is being so squeezed we cannot breathe or see a single sunlit upland."
The post added: "Thank you to our long-standing suppliers, who we know are facing the same pressures as restaurants are. Love to all our beautiful team, so loyal, so hardworking, we did our best."
Levanter previously held a Michelin plate award in the Michelin Guide Great Britain and Ireland and was praised by The Observer food critic Jay Rayner as "the kind of restaurant so many of us seek".
Responding to news of Levanter's closure, Rayner tweeted: "This is tragic news. I bloody loved Levanter."
Chef Gary Usher tweeted: "Fresh food businesses run by qualified hospitality professionals have become unviable. The maths just doesn't add up anymore with the cost of energy, inflation & the backlog of pandemic loans & arrears. Unfortunately these announcements will be regular now."
