A POPULAR restaurant has been forced to close down after just two years – as the owner slams Rachel Reeves Budget.
Loyal diners were disappointed to hear the popular venue in, Christchurch, Dorset, was shutting permanently.
La Mamma restaurant in Christchurch is sadly shutting down after just two years[/caption]
The team poured significant funds into renovating the venue[/caption]
Owner James claimed Rachel Reeves’ budget made a huge impact[/caption]
The beloved La Mamma was taken over by James Roberts in 2022 but blasted “everything has gone to pot” ever since Rachel Reeves’ budget.
He told the Echo: “In addition to the budget, the cost of ingredients has soared and we are dealing with a Grade II listed building that leaks like a sieve.
“People’s spending habits have significantly changed so it’s been the perfect storm that has led to this.
“They would rather buy a pizza from Sainsbury’s and sit on the sofa with a can of lager.
“But all of this stems from Labour and Rachel Reeves’ budget. Everything has just gone to pot since then.”
La Mamma was originally based at a different location, but James and his team moved it to take over a pub near by.
He said after pouring a “significant” amount of funds into the transformation, they still haven’t been able to recoup the money.
And, they faced another blow last year when the festive period didn’t come through with the cash influx they’d hoped for.
But James continued to back his pride and joy, hailing their menu that “people love”.
Unfortunately, the owner said despite doing all they could, there’s no “magic wand” to solve their financial problems.
James said he is working tirelessly to find a way to keep his business and staff employed in future ventures.
This comes as the hospitality industry is witnessing even top celebrity chefs struggle to keep operations running.
Just yesterday The Sun reported a private chef to royals and billionaires abruptly shut down a famed UK restaurant after just six months.
Fans were stunned by the announcement that the Unagi chain would be closing one of their popular venues.
Their location on the Salford Quays, in Manchester, informed customers of the move this week.
Elsewhere, the creator of a Michelin-backed restaurant has confirmed a devastating closure after 14 years.
Loyal diners were disappointed to hear one of their favourite family-run venues was shutting down forever.
And, just last week The Sun reported a BBC star and Gordon Ramsay protege was compelled to close another venue after “vowing to do it right” this time.
Similar scenes unfolded when one chef suddenly shut down two Michelin-hailed restaurants without warning as fans cried “I thought they’d go on forever”.
Meanwhile, The Sun has compiled a full list of celeb TV chefs that shut down Michelin-hailed restaurants last year – including a BBC MasterChef judge.
What is happening to the hospitality industry?
By Laura McGuire, consumer reporter
MANY Food and drink chains have been struggling in recently as the cost of living has led to fewer people spending on eating out.
Businesses had been struggling to bounce back after the pandemic, only to be hit with soaring energy bills and inflation.
Multiple chains have been affected, resulting in big-name brands like Wetherspoons and Frankie & Benny’s closing branches.
Some chains have not survived, Byron Burger fell into administration last year, with owners saying it would result in the loss of over 200 jobs.
Pizza giant, Papa Johns is shutting down 43 of its stores soon.
Tasty, the owner of Wildwood, said it will shut sites as part of major restructuring plans.
