THE owner of a former Michelin star restaurant in Winchester has revealed the reason for its closure is the staggering increase in its energy bills.

The Black Rat restaurant in Chesil Street will be closing its for the last time following its final service on September 30.

Staff said in a Facebook post, that closing left them with a 'heavy heart'. 

David Nicholson also runs The Black Boy Pub, The Black Bottle wine bar and The Black Hole bed and breakfast.

Mr Nicholson said: "The main reason behind its closure is the impact of the increasing energy bills. It's going up from £20,000 to between £80,000 and £100,000.

"There are also problems with staffing, which includes front of house and chefs. Wages and food prices have gone through the roof.

"We never set out to make lots of profit, but we certainly didn't want to make a loss. It was becoming an unviable business. The winter won't be a happy time for many.

"The costs at The Black Rat were the highest across my businesses."

Mr Nicholson said he had happy memories of The Black Rat and didn't rule out it coming back in the future.

He said: "It has been 15 years of really good fun. The staff and customers were excellent and we achieved what we set out to do with it.  

"Eventually these things have to come to an end."

The restaurant, which lost its Michelin star in February 2021, made the announcement of the closure on its website and Facebook page on Monday.

READ MORE: Former Michelin starred restaurant The Black Rat announces closure

The Facebook post said: “It's been a blast but all good things come to an end!

"With a heavy heart, the Black Rat is closing its doors for the final time at the end of September.

"Below, instead of the usual food pics, are the people that made it all possible over the last 15 years. The guys who worked their hardest to create amazing menus, provide the best service and make the Black Rat what it was.

"We'd like to thank all of the customers who supported us from the start and particularly those who braved our 'unusual' menus (lamb heart, brain, horse or wood ants anyone) and became not just regular customers, but also friends. You all know who are so I won't embarrass you but we'll miss you terribly.

"Keep well, eat well support local business and thank you all from the bottom of our hearts!

"Gareth, Erica, Jose, Aly, Nick, Shera, Matt, Dave & Sam xxx”

The post has received more than 100 comments and 30 shares so far, showing its reputation in Winchester.

Facebook user Ali Manswell said: “This is so sad, Winchester lacks decent privately owned venues. Jose and the team have always looked after us tremendously well and made us feel special. Wishing everyone of them success in their future ventures.”

James Swan Jnr added: “Thank you sooo much to everyone at The Black Rat Restaurant, that was my wife’s and my indulgence every year as it is where we got engaged on the January 25 2014!

"Very special memories for us, we will truly miss it. Just glad we visited on Friday where I had the lamb, gutted! Good luck everyone in your new ventures, if it’s true.”

Kyoto Kitchen owner Miff Kayum said: “It is devastating news for the culinary scene in Winchester.”

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