MasterChef star Tony Rodd has been forced to close down his restaurant.
The professional chef, who reached the finals of the UK series in 2015, opened restaurant Copper & Ink in Blackheath, south west London in 2018.
He has now confirmed in a devastating statement that the restaurant has been closed ’with immediate effect.’
Writing in a statement from himself, wife Becky Rodd and ‘the Copper & Ink family,’ the TV star said they had ‘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.’
They blamed ongoing financial difficulties stemming from Covid-19, the cost of living crisis, increased energy costs and price increases from suppliers, with customers also facing money issues ‘which has resulted in less guests coming through our doors, making running a business untenable.’
‘We have had a wonderful [five] year and we want to thank each and every one of you from the bottom of our hearts for the warmth, love and support you have bestowed upon us during this time,’ the statement reads.
‘We have been privileged to be such an integral part of the Blackheath Village community and we will dearly miss seeing all of you on a regular basis.’
In a video after the statement, a visibly emotional Tony and Becky thanked everyone for their messages and admitted they were ‘absolutely heartbroken.’
‘We’re very sorry to you all,’ Tony said, before adding ‘you’re probably going to be seeing more and more of this.’
It comes just hours after Sunday Brunch star Simon Rimmer announced he was being forced to close his restaurant’s doors for good due to shocking rent hikes – after 33 years in business.
Taking to Instagram, the 60-year-old chef, who presents the Channel 4 show with Tim Lovejoy, explained that his restaurant Greens in Manchester’s Didsbury would stop operating after 33 years as the business has become ‘unviable.’
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‘It’s a very sad day. We’ve unfortunately had to close the door,’ said Simon in a video to fans.
‘Our landlords have increased our rent in the region of 35%, and the cost of raw materials, the cost of heat, the cost of power, employing people, and general food costs has meant that the business has become unviable.’
Simon stated: ‘It’s a heartbreaking day.’
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The TV star then thanked every member of staff, customer, supplier, neighbour, and friend for keeping it going for over three decades.
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