Restaurants shut for now
CITY EATERIES SAY IT’S BETTER TO CLOSE THAN STAY OPEN UNDER NEW COVID RULES
STRUGGLING restaurants and cafes in Nottingham city centre are temporarily closing their doors because it costs more to remain open.
The White Rabbit Teahouse, in Bridlesmith Walk, is the latest to become a casualty of tighter Tier Two restrictions imposed in Nottingham which prevents people from socialising indoors.
Owner France Russell said: “We’ve struggled over the last few months and, with the new tighter restrictions, this is, unfortunately, our only option. Our rent and bills have remained the same, yet our trade has decreased to less than 30 percent of what it was, so essentially it costs us more to open than to close.
“It’s definitely been the hardest six months of my time as a small business owner, but the last ten years have been wonderful, and I’m grateful to all of our customers who have visited us. Hopefully it’s not a goodbye, it’s a see you later.”
The tearoom originally opened in a tiny space in Hounds Gate but went on to move to bigger premises in the passageway off Bridlesmith
Gate. The White Rabbit, in West Bridgford, will remain open for as long as possible.
Also temporarily closing is awardwinning vegetarian restaurant Number Twelve, which expanded to its new home in Eldon Chambers, off Wheeler Gate, nearly a year ago.
Owners Ritchie Stainsby and Lauren Nally broke the news on Facebook. “Unfortunately due to recent announcements we have made the decision to close the restaurant for a couple of weeks, to ensure we are allowing ourselves and staff a short break in this difficult time.
“We are attempting to get in touch as quickly as possible for bookings and hope to see you all in the restaurant soon.”
Last week French restaurant Petit Paris revealed the restaurant in Kings Walk would be closing and is unlikely to reopen again until 2021.
Instead, it is offering a home delivery service and redirecting customers to sister restaurant Paris, a bigger dining area in High Pavement.
The owners blamed the latest Government restrictions to the hospitality industry and declining customer numbers.
In a bid to attract customers some venues are running unbeatable offers. Das Kino is giving away pizza to anyone booking a table and last Friday the Kitchen on Pelham Street was selling cakes half price.