The Tollgate Hotel in the village of Bramber, near Steyning, said it has been forced to close the doors of its restaurant, known for its locally sourced carvery, due to costs of raw materials, as well as electricity and heating bills.
In a statement, the hotel said the closure would be “temporary” while they reconsider what the restaurant can realistically offer.
A spokesman for The Tollgate said: “The cost of raw materials, the cost of heat, light and power, employing people and general food costs, have meant that, unfortunately, the business as it is now has become unviable.
“We have received so much feedback asking us to keep the carvery as it was, but the cost as an independent business was too much for the local market to bear.
“Changes we made to our offering and increased prices have understandably not been embraced. We could not offer something we were proud of while trying to meet the pricing needs of our customers. Hospitality industry staffing issues have further undermined our beloved Tollgate restaurant.
“We are considering all options – as an independent business, we will need to be creative and thoughtful in our next steps and approach.
“Our closure, though temporary, will most likely be a lengthy process, but we do hope many of you will return to whatever exciting and delicious cuisine comes next.
“The Tollgate Hotel will remain open as a bed and breakfast option, and we look forward to continuing to greet our overnight guests.
“We have put together a list of all locally available food offerings and can assist with reservations.”
Visitors and guests at the hotel over the years took to social media to express their sorrow at the decision.
Tracy Martin said she had been to the carvery for Christmas lunch a couple of times, while Jamie Hailstone said that he had visited several times while working as a reporter for the Shoreham Herald in the early 2000s.
Mike McCaffrey took to X, formerly Twitter, to say it was a “real shame” that the restaurant had closed.
“Great food and service, but understandable in today’s climate,” he said.
However, another visitor said: “The carvery had long since gone downhill many years ago and it looked very tired.”
Source link
[Featured]
[Just In]
