Rick Stein's restaurant empire is shrinking: cafe in Padstow is closing.

Famous chef Rick Stein is closing his cafe

According to The Sun: Renowned chef Rick Stein has decided to close his cafe due to a significant drop in income across his restaurant empire.

This decision came just days after news of potential closure of his restaurant, which holds Grade II status.

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At 78 years old, Rick Stein is known for his cooking shows on BBC, UKTV, and ITV. For over five decades, he has managed numerous renowned restaurants and hotels across the UK, including in Marlborough, Winchester, and Sandbanks in Dorset.

Together with his ex-wife Jill Newstead and their three sons - Jack, Charlie, and Ed - he has a successful restaurant group. However, last year, the revenues of his business, including shops, a cookery school, and online presence, significantly declined.

Closure of the cafe in Cornwall

Now his cafe in Padstow, Cornwall, is forced to close its doors forever. This decision is part of a cost-cutting strategy.

“We can confirm that we have permanently closed our little cafe. Traditionally, our small team has been offered alternative positions within the business.”

But Rick will remain at the site with another establishment.

“Rick Stein's Michelin-starred cafe remains open and continues to serve the same coffee from Cornwall's roasters, Origin Coffee, as well as lunches and dinners inspired by Rick's travels and his passion for fresh, simple ingredients, many of which are local.”

In previous interviews, Rick expressed his outrage over Chancellor Rachel Reeves's decisions regarding tax increases.

“Because the economy doesn't look very good, people aren't going out as often. So, the last thing you want to do is impose heavy taxes on those industries that actually produce something.”

Rick Stein

Possible closure of the restaurant in Marlborough

This decision also affects his restaurants in Marlborough, Wiltshire, which may face closure. The restaurant is consulting with its staff regarding a potential closure but hopes to avoid it.

“We can confirm that we are proposing the closure of our restaurant in Marlborough and are consulting with the team to explore whether it can be avoided.”

The restaurant opened in 2016 and is located in the famous Lloran House building, which holds Grade II status.

Rick Stein

Rick's culinary creations, including sole meunière and turbo with hollandaise, gained popularity at this restaurant. The establishment has been saved from closure multiple times, including in 2020 when the landlord reduced the rent.

Alamy Rick Stein is a significant figure in the British culinary scene, and his decision to close the cafe reflects tough times for the industry. The cafe closure and the possible closure of the restaurant in Marlborough could be a wake-up call for many who follow the development of his career. Will he be able to find ways to revive his business empire? Only time will tell.