A GREAT British Menu star has been forced to close his Michelin-listed restaurant after seven years, in a blow to the hospitality industry.
Fhior, run by Scott Smith – who appeared on the BBC series in 2021 – will close it’s doors for good on June 1, due to the “difficult hospitality climate”.
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Announcing the closure on Instagram earlier this week, Scott, who opened the Edinburgh based business in 2018 alongside his wife Laura said: “After seven incredible years, we’ve made the deeply difficult decision to bring our restaurant, Fhior, to a close.”
The TV chef added that the closure was also down to “personal and practical factors, including the arrival of our second child and a desire to spend more time with our growing family”.
” While the restaurant has achieved so much, the cost of doing things the right way in a very difficult hospitality climate has taken its toll,” he said.
“Rather than compromise what Fhior stands for, we’ve chosen to close on our own terms, with intention, and with the same care and integrity that defined every service.”
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Fhior, which is an adaption of the word “true” in Gaelic, is recommended in the Michelin Guide Great Britain and Ireland.
Smith revealed that the team at the high-end restaurant have been part of the closing down process, and have all been given jobs to go to.
In the coming months, the husband and wife duo plan to focus on Blank Plate Creative, their restaurant consultancy service.
The Instagram post was flooded with comments from fans of the fine-dining restaurant, gutted to hear news of the closure.
One person said: “Fhior is an extraordinary restaurant on every level. I had great dinners with wonderful memories.
“Thank you very much for your hospitality and excellence.”
A second person said: “Sad to hear this. Had the best meal of my life at your restaurant.”
A third person said: “We have adored visiting Fhior, will definitely try to book in before you close.”
Smith competed in the Scotland heat of GBM in 2021, but failed to impress the judges enough to make it to the finals.
This comes after Gordon Ramsey announced the closure of one of his Street Burger locations.
What is happening to the hospitality industry?
The restaurant, at Reading’s Oracle Shopping centre previously announced that it had temporarily closed until March 4.
However, it now looks like the plug has been permanently plugged on the spot after the site told punters it would be “closed until further notice”.
Restaurant-goers were also devastated to learn of the closure of Koko in Sheffield, which locals remarked had the best sushi in the city.
The announcement of Koko’s closure was made on Facebook: “After reaching our 10th birthday, we are sad to say we will be closing forever on the 14th April.
“We hope to see you for one last meal.”
One devastated fan wrote under the post: “So sad to here this, love this restaurant.”
Another added: ” We love this place and are really sad.”