Bar and restaurant chain loved by celebrities closes THREE sites for good as owner admits ‘it's bitter pill to swallow'
The trendy chain opened its first outlet six years ago to great fanfare
KITCHEN CLOSED Bar and restaurant chain loved by celebrities closes THREE sites for good as owner admits 'it's bitter pill to swallow'
A BAR and restaurant chain beloved by celebrities has closed three of its sites for good.
Horticulture shut its city-centre location in Newcastle as well as its coastal venue in nearby Whitley Bay more than two weeks ago as the chain's owner has admitted the company was facing crippling costs.
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Horticulture has closed all three of its outlets due to 'challenging circumstances'
Credit: NCJMedia
Sister cocktail bar El Guapo, located next to Horticulture in Newcastle, had also had its doors locked due to the "challenging circumstances", the chain's owner confirmed.
It had previously been said the venues were closed as the ownership "decided upon the next steps for the future."
But now, in an emotional statement, it has been confirmed the sites have closed for good.
They said: 'It's with deep regret and teary eyes we have to confirm the rumours are true, we have closed our doors on Market Lane.
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"A passion project we took on almost six years ago in an empty shell of a venue down the back alley called Market Lane.
"An independent cafe bar restaurant to call home.
"Pioneering brunch before it became commonly known nationally as 'bottomless', curating premium cocktails, the world's largest espresso martini menu, and also championing sustainable award winning small plates."
The owners recalled how the restaurant had to power through difficulties with the Covid-19 pandemic, which hit just five months after it opened.
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This led to the furloughing of all staff before a "great return" in 2021 with "tons of local support".
The restaurant also earned a nomination at the Top 50 Restaurant Awards that year before encountering "a number of challenging circumstances beyond our control".
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As a result, they "sadly" had to take the "drastic and painful steps" to shut all three venues.
They continued: 'To say we're devastated is an understatement, almost six years on Market Lane, over two years in Pepo/El Guapo and a further two years renovating the coast, it's a bitter pill frustratingly we must swallow.
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'Thanks to all our amazing team over the years, our great stakeholders and all the industry folk who have helped guide us along the way and most importantly our lovely customers.
"Thank-you from the bottom of our heart for all your support, love and business over the years.
"We couldn't have done it without you. Team Horti x"
El Guapo claimed to be home of the "world's largest margarita menu", while the other Horticulture locations boasted huge cocktail lists as well as the most-extensive espresso martini menu globally.
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The Newcastle branch, famed for its stylish decor and outdoor terrace, had become a firm favourite with locals and visitors alike.
It also attracted celebrity chefs including Si King of The Hairy Bikers.
During the night the venue would fill up with revellers to enjoy its cocktails and DJ tunes, played out across the bar area and suntrap outdoor terrace.
Popular bar to close after 10 years as heartbroken owner says it's 'no longer sustainable' leaving regulars 'devastated'
A POPULAR bar is set to close after 10 years of trading, with its heartbroken owner blaming "unsustainable
The retro venue in Newcastle city centre, inspired by speakeasies and cabaret bars of 1920s prohibition America, will shut its doors for the final time in just months.
Prohibition was first built in a converted railway arch in neighbouring Gateshead in 2015, attracting large numbers of followers for its classic feel.
It then moved across the river in 2018, taking up the location of the famed former Jazz Cafe on Pink Lane.
However now, owner Mitch Mitchell has shared the sad news that his iconic venue will be closing in July.
He explained that "upcoming rises to running costs" have meant the business was "no longer sustainable" in the format it was running.
Faced with the tough choice of having to compromise on the bar's "core principles", Mitch felt it was better for the venue to close but be able to hold its head up high.
Fans have expressed their sadness at the news, with many commenting under the restaurant and bar chain's announcement.
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One heart-broken customer wrote: "So sorry to hear this.
"We will really miss your innovation and fabulous food xx."
Another added: "You did such a fantastic job there, it's truly sad to see you go.
"You started something original. Wishing you all the best cxx."
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In a moving tribute, a third recalled their "unreal memories" at the Horticulture outlet in Newcastle.
They wrote: "Genuinely devastated. So many unreal memories here .. mine and Rys first date .. his 30th surprise party .. NYE 2023 .. my fave bar in town!
"Hope youse are all okay and I'm sure your next venture will even top this one xxx."
This comes as major restaurant chain Browns announced it would close its first ever branch located in the heart of a seaside resort.
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The bar and brasserie on Duke Street in Brighton will shut its doors soon, although no closure date has yet been confirmed.
The restaurant, nestled in the heart of The Lanes, was the first of Browns' fleet to open over 50 years ago.
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