Bistro shuts for winter due to energy costs

A POPULAR restaurant near Bristol has closed its doors for winter – due to the soaring price of energy.

Dave and Ann Palmer, who run the New Castle bistro and wine bar at Kewstoke in North Somerset, have made the difficult decision to temporarily close the venue for the winter after their energy costs soared by 400 per cent.

The pair, who have run the bistro for the last nine years, said in a statement on the New Castle

Facebook page: “As I am sure you have all been aware of the current increased costs affecting many businesses and the fact that businesses do not have the benefit of capped gas and electricity.

“Consequently we have made an important decision after careful consideration to move from an all-year trading position to a seasonal operation. This has not been a decision taken lightly but due to the spiralling costs for our gas and electricity which has increased by 400 per cent, we have decided to close for this winter period.

“I am sure you will understand our reasoning for this decision but would like to thank you all for the support you have given us over the last nine years. Our huge thanks goes out to such a loyal and hardworking team of staff who have supported us during the pandemic and continued to do so during this difficult time.

“Further updates will follow should the situation change.”