THE devastated owners of a popular restaurant have been forced to close after just one year.
Marianna Browning and Craig Davies cited ‘challenging trading conditions’ as the reason for shutting The Lemon Tree Inn in Dorset.
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The business partners first took on the restaurant in Swyre, which was previously known as Bull Inn, in 2024.
They transformed it into a Mediterranean restaurant, which was the venue for plenty of paella, taco, cocktails and sangria-themed nights.
Diners have awarded The Lemon Tree five-star reviews on Google.
In one glowing appraisal, a customer wrote: “We went to this place for lunch as we always drive past and say how lovely it looks.
“Safe to say we couldn’t be more impressed, we came for lunch and the food was outstanding.
“Each of the three of us ordered a different meal yet each one was amazing, fantastic and kind staff, reasonably priced and as I said some of the best food I’ve eaten for lunch in a long time.”
Despite the eatery’s popularity, it is now “permanently closed until further notice”
Speaking of the closure Marianna, said: “We are deeply saddened to announce the closure of The Lemon Tree Inn restaurant.
“This has not been an easy decision, but due to a combination of challenging trading conditions and other circumstances beyond our control, we find ourselves with no other viable option.
“We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to our loyal customers and supporters over the past year. Your warmth, enthusiasm and love for what we created at the Lemon Tree Inn has meant the world to us.”
Marianna encouraged diners to visit her other business venture – Cherries Cafe.
“Looking ahead, we will be focusing all our efforts on our sister-restaurant, Cherries at Abbey Farm, where we hope to welcome both familiar faces and new guests.
“Thank you once again to our customers for being part of the Lemon Tree Inn journey. We hope to see you soon at Cherries.”
The ‘challenging trading conditions’ that The Lemon Tree owners alluded to could be the soaring bills, rising costs, and squeezed budgets that the restaurant industry is battling.
More closures could be on the horizon due to upcoming hikes in employer National Insurance Contributions (NICs) and the national minimum wage.
Many food and drink businesses have faced significant challenges recently, as the rising cost of living has led to a decline in dining out.
After struggling to recover from the impact of the pandemic, many establishments were then hit with soaring energy bills and mounting inflationary pressures.
This has forced several well-known chains to shut locations, with big brands like Wetherspoons and Frankie & Benny’s among those affected.
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