Food fans have been left devastated after a top chef suddenly decided to close his Michelin star restaurant – as soaring costs ‘made it impossible to continue’.
Craig Rogan shut the doors on The Collective in Leeds over the weekend and claimed the decision was ‘out of his hands’.
The eatery had garnered a strong local following since opening, with diners celebrating its modern take on British cuisine.
Their innovative dishes and commitment to sustainability earned them a coveted place in the Michelin Guide 2024 – the only new restaurant to be added from the Yorkshire city this year.
In a heartfelt statement on Instagram, Mr Rogan and his team said they had intended to honour their bookings until the end of 2024, but ‘mounting operational costs’ had forced them to close abruptly.
The statement read: ‘It is with a heavy heart that we share this update with you
‘After long negotiations, the landlord made the decision to close our doors overnight.’
Mr Rogan’s decision comes as many other hospitality businesses struggle to survive in the current climate – as prices continue to rise and support dwindles.
Craig Rogan (pictured) shut the doors on The Collective in Leeds over the weekend and claimed the decision was ‘out of his hands’.
The eatery had garnered a strong local following since opening, with punters celebrating its modern take on British cuisine
The statement continued: ‘We’ve worked tirelessly to keep our vision alive, exploring every possible option to move forward.
‘However, the recent budget and ongoing economic challenges have made it clear that continuing to trade in our current location is no longer feasible.’
Staff at The Collective thanked customers for their ‘unwavering support’ and hinted at plans for a new establishment in the future.
‘We’ve poured everything into creating a space that celebrates exceptional food and unforgettable memories,’ they said.
‘While the demand for our restaurant has grown, the mounting operational costs made it impossible to continue.
‘We hope to welcome you back to something even more special soon. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for being a part of our journey.’
A number of other Michelin restaurants have also been forced to close in 2024.
Michel Roux Jr closed the doors on his iconic restaurant Gavroche in January after 56 years in business, while former Masterchef finalist Tony Rodd was forced to close his restaurant in Blackheath.
The Collective’s innovative dishes and commitment to sustainability earned them a coveted place in the Michelin Guide 2024 – the only new restaurant to be added from the Yorkshire city this year
In October, MasterChef winner Simon Wood announced the sudden closure of his Michelin Star-recommended restaurant amid rent arrears and ballooning costs.
According to data obtained under the Freedom of Information Act by accountancy firm Price Bailey, 1,932 restaurants entered insolvency in 2023, equating to an average of more than five closures per day.
Matt Howard, Head of the Insolvency and Recovery at Price Bailey, said many hospitality businesses were on ‘life support’.
He said: ‘Many hospitality businesses are on life support, and with the services sector leading the way into recession, business failures in the restaurant trade are likely to continue to rise throughout 2024.
‘As rates have risen banks are piling pressure on restaurants to make capital as well as interest repayments on loans. This has proved the final nail in the coffin for many restaurants.’