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All the restaurants closing in July including huge Asian chain and fine-dining spot
The hospitality industry is struggling, but why? We reveal all you need to know below
GOODBYE MY FRIEND All the restaurants closing in July including huge Asian chain and fine-dining spot
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A SWATHE of restaurants are shutting in July including a huge Asian chain and beloved fine-dining spot.
Customers will be devastated after finding out their local haunts are closing for good.
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A host of restaurants are closing this month
Credit: Alamy
It comes as the restaurant industry struggles amid high energy prices, wholesale costs and tax hikes.
Here are all the restaurants shutting this month.
Ping Pong
Popular Asian restaurant chain Ping Pong has shuttered all of its UK locations and ceased trading after 20 years.
The chain was first founded back in 2005 by restaurateur Kurt Zdesar and 13 venues quickly popped up within four years.
At its peak, the chain ran 12 restaurants across London, but in a recent Instagram post it announced all locations were now shut.
"It's a wrap. After 20 unforgettable years, all Ping Pong locations are now permanently closed," the owners said.
"We're incredibly proud of what we built, an independent hospitality brand full of creativity, flavour and soul.
'To everyone who joined us over the years, for dim sum dates, happy hours, bottomless brunches, and just-because catch-ups – thank you… It's been sum-thing truly special."
The Angel of Dartmouth
Historic fine-dining restaurant The Angel of Dartmouth is due to shut on July 6.
The spot, headed up by a former MasterChef contestant, is based on the harbour-front and offers customers modern British cuisine and local produce.
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However, it will be forced to shut after citing "difficult trading conditions" and changing diner tastes.
A statement from the restaurant read: "For over four decades, The Angel has been at the heart of the town's vibrant culinary scene, a beacon of fine dining and innovation that began with its visionary founder, industry titan Joyce Molyneux.
"Joyce's pioneering leadership placed The Angel on the national food map, inspiring a generation of chefs and restaurateurs.
"It has been a privilege for us to be the latest custodians of such a historic name, and we have both cherished the opportunity to oversee a restaurant with such a remarkable legacy."
Croma
Beloved Italian chain Croma is set to close one its restaurants in Chorlton, Manchester, on July 28.
The spot first opened in 2005 and underwent a revamp in 2023, with a conservatory extension and external patio dining area added.
It is known for its pizzas and other favourites including Tandoori chicken, crab pappardelle and lasagne.
In a statement, the bosses of Croma, which will only have one restaurant remaining after the Chorlton closure, said: "After 20 amazing years, we're sadly saying goodbye."
"Our beloved Chorlton restaurant will be closing its doors at 10pm on Sunday, July 28.
'Join us one last time and come down to raise a glass and share a slice of fabulous Pizza as we celebrate two decades of incredible memories with our wonderful community.
"Let's make these final weeks unforgettable.'
Why are restaurants struggling?
Restaurant chains have been struggling recently as the higher cost of living has led to fewer people spending on eating out.
Businesses have also been struggling to bounce back after the pandemic.
A number have been faced with added costs more recently, including a hike to employer National Insurance contributions and the national minimum wage in April.
As a result, a number of chains have been forced to close down or reduce their estate.
A recent "red flag" report from consultancy Begbies Traynor found bars and restaurants are under significant financial strain.
It found more than 30% were in "critical" financial distress in the preceding 12 months.
PEACH, a restaurant group based in East Hertfordshire, recently announced the immediate closure of both its sites after five years.
A host of celebrity chefs have been forced to close their restaurants too.
