MASTERCHEF winner Simon Wood has closed his Manchester restaurant with immediate effect.
It comes just days after the acclaimed chef hit out at diners not showing up for bookings at WOOD on First Street in the city centre.
In a statement on social media, the chef said he was 'very proud' of what he and his team had achieved, but said that Covid rent arrears were being 'demanded' by his landlord.
This, coupled with issues such as energy increases, ingredients cost and 'spiralling' business rates, made it untenable.
Simon, who won MasterChef in 2015, opened his fine-dining restaurant two years later.
He wrote on X: "Dear Friends, Customers and Suppliers of WOOD Manchester. It is with much regret that I have to inform you that I must close the doors here at WOOD for good, with immediate effect."
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
NEXT STOP... FIVE CLUBS FOR RASH
MARCUS Rashford has admitted he is ready to leave United.
Manager reveals Garna is 'upset' over derby snub
RUBEN Amorim has revealed Alejandro Garnacho is ‘a little bit upset with him’ over his omission from the United squad against City on Sunday.
Amorim: Rash should have told me privately he wanted to leave
UNITED head coach Ruben Amorim has told Marcus Rashford he should have told him privately that he wanted to leave the club.
'There is nothing to celebrate when United cash in on a hitherto one-club man, but they have to
LITTLE that Dan Ashworth said or did has aged well at United but one quote endures.
Erl looks stronger than ever regardless of City's struggles
IN another season, the City medical team would be giving themselves a pat on the back.
Say what you like about Walker but he always fronts up despite poor results
KYLE Walker deserves plenty of criticism for his form this season but some of it has been over the top.
CITY'S TEST AT VILLA IS HUGE
CITY players will have returned to training yesterday with both hope and dread.
Reds boss should look to the Etihad to see how to deal with wantaways...
UNITED should be riding high after their derby win at the Etihad Stadium.
Keely is the 'real deal' - Lord Coe
WORLD Athletics president Lord Coe is convinced “real deal” and newly-crowned BBC Sports Personality of the Year Keely Hodgkinson has already ascended to British great status.
Roots of our festive traditions
BRINGING plants into the house to celebrate the festive season has long been part of our Christmas tradition.
