Tony Rodd closes Copper & Ink restaurant ‘with heavy heart'

Chef Tony Rodd has closed Copper & Ink in London's Blackheath despite numerous attempts to save the restaurant.

The 2015 MasterChef semi-finalist opened the modern British restaurant, which featured dishes inspired by classical French and Scandinavian cuisines, five years ago with his wife Becky (pictured).

Posting the news on X, Rodd said: "It is with heavy hearts that we announce the immediate closure of Copper & Ink. We have agonised over making this decision and spent much of the Christmas break trying desperately to find a way to save the restaurant, but to no avail."

He said ongoing financial difficulties following the pandemic, increased energy costs, the cost of living crisis and price increases from suppliers had all contributed to the closure.

"We have had a wonderful five years, and we want to thank each of every one of you from the bottom of our hearts for the warmth, love and support you have bestowed upon us during this time," he added.

It comes after the Copper & Ink team launched a £70,000 crowdfund to open a cocktail bar at the restaurant last month.

At the time, he had told The Caterer: "We're a two-storey restaurant and until earlier this year we used to be full every evening we were open."

Copper & Ink confirmed the campaign will close as it failed to meet its target, and no funds will be taken.