A MICHELIN-guide restaurant run by a family whose 17th-century mansion was featured in the new Bridget Jones film has closed.
The Petersham in Covent Garden was launched six years ago by the Bolgione family who also own Michelin star eatery La Goccia – which has also shut.
The Petersham served its last diners on February 16[/caption]
The ideas behind restaurants were born at Petersham House, where Bridget Jones was filmed[/caption]
Both restaurants are nestled in the popular tourist spot in the capital, but according to the owners neither could fair with the “unsustainably high costs”.
The Petersham, which shared a terrace with La Goccia was known for its exciting Italian food and lavish interior, which referenced its owners horticultural heritage, it was a hub for food-lovers and tourists.
In Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy, Renée Zellweger’s character and her new love interest Roxster (Leo Woodhall) enjoy a flirtatious conversation at the Georgian-style house.
The Bolgione family added that they were anxious about the “looming impact of the recent Budget”.
In her October 2024 budget, Chancellor Rachel Reeves increased national insurance contributions for employers and increased minimum wage.
Critics of the budget argued that this would increase costs for businesses, but Reeves insisted at the time that the move would support workers and stabilise the economy.
The Italian restaurant also said that two other major events caused them to close.
They said they decided to put their shutters down due to years of “significant cost challenges” caused by “covid and Brexit”.
They told the Telegraph that they were unable to “recruit people with the right experience and skills” after Britain left the EU, adding to their business woes.
The Bolgione family launched their Petersham Nurseriers brand from their 17th century mansion Petersham House.
Petersham Nurseries took shape in 2002 and evolved into three beloved London restaurants: The Petersham, La Goccia and Petersham Nurseries Restaurant in Richmond.
The Richmond location, also has a teahouse serving wholesome seasonal food and has won the Michelin Green Star – for the restaurant’s commitment to sustainability.
This comes after the creator of another Michelin-backed restaurant was forced to close after 14 years in service.
Manchester based 63 Degrees sparked rumours of potential trouble when they turned away customers across the festive period last year.
A notice at the restaurant revealed they would be closed until January 11, but this was extended to January 30.
And, it was radio silence from the venue from then on, with their online booking page “temporarily offline”.
Founder Alexandre Moreau finally revealed earlier this week that his father, the Head Chef, and mother returned to France for health reasons.
Food and drink chains have been struggling recently as the cost of living has led to fewer people spending on eating out.
Businesses had been struggling to bounce back after the pandemic, only to be hit with soaring energy bills and inflation.
Multiple chains have been affected, resulting in big-name brands like Wetherspoons and Frankie & Benny’s closing branches.
Some chains have not survived, Byron Burger fell into administration last year, with owners saying it would result in the loss of over 200 jobs.
Pizza giant, Papa Johns is shutting down 43 of its stores soon.
Tasty, the owner of Wildwood, said it will shut sites as part of major restructuring plans
The business was created on the grounds of Petersham House, which was used as a film location on Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy[/caption]
La Goccia was also owned by the Bolgione family and shared a terrace with The Petersham[/caption]
