Cost of living crisis results in restaurant closure
A POPULAR restaurant has announced it is to close due to pressures from the rising cost of living.
Rueters Bar and Grill on Southport’s Hoghton Street has announced it will be shutting its doors at the end of May due to the worsening cost of living crisis.
They released a statement this week confirming ‘rumours’ of their upcoming closure.
The statement said they had ‘fallen victim’ to the ‘increased costs’ and ‘uncertainty’ that rising inflation and increased energy, fuel and food bills had created. Their doors will close for good on Sunday, May 29.
In a statement released on Facebook, Matt Howard who runs Rueters said: “It’s with great sadness we have to confirm some of the ‘rumours’ that we will be closing down at the close of business on Sunday 29th May.
“Unfortunately due to increased costs and so much uncertainty we have fallen victim to the cost of living crisis.
“I am proud to have such an amazing team working with me here, and we are all working together through our final weeks to support each other.”
Rueters has been one of the top places to eat in Southport for more than a decade now.
Only a month ago, in April, Matt was awarded Publican of the Year 2022 by Punch Pubs, so the news of Rueters’ closure came as a surprise for many of its regulars.
One commented beneath their announcement: “So sorry to hear this. Thank you for making my 40th amazing last summer. What a shame.”
One said: “Very sad news indeed. You’ve done such a great job there Matt and you have rightly received various accolades for that. Good luck for the future mate.”
Another regular said: “Very sorry to hear this, after all you have done to transform this place, to support young people into work, and after all the awards you have won. Wishing you good luck in your next challenge, you should all be very proud with what you have achieved at Rueters.”