Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall announces closure of Bristol restaurant

Celebrity chef Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall has confirmed he is to close his River Cottage restaurant in Bristol after seven years of trading.

Fearnley-Whittingstall said the decision was “extremely difficult” but attributed it to “rising costs and challenging market conditions”, as well as the size and location of the site adding it is no longer a “viable option” for the business.

The restaurant will remain open until 27 of March, with the restaurant confirming it is consulting with its Bristol team and hopes to be able to offer “alternative employment” at other sites owned by the celebrity chef.

Announcing the news on the restaurant’s website, Fearnley-Whittingstall said: “We’ve had a wonderful seven years in Bristol and I am deeply saddened that we cannot find a way to continue trading here.

“I have a strong personal connection to Bristol, having lived here just around the corner from the restaurant for most of the last four years. I very much hope that River Cottage will return to the city in the future.”

He added: “I would like to thank our amazing team who have worked tirelessly over the years making our restaurant a fantastic place to eat and drink. A huge thanks also to all our wonderful customers who have supported us over the years, and our brilliant suppliers who have helped us to serve the finest produce of the region.

“We will be open until 27 March and until then we very much look forward to welcoming guests as warmly as ever. Please come in and say goodbye.”