BBC chef abruptly shuts Michelin-rated bistro despite it being crowned ‘restaurant of the year' in prestigious awards
A BBC chef has shocked foodies by announcing the closure of his award-winning restaurant.
Despite claiming 'Fine Dining Restaurant of the Year' at the Prestige Wales Awards in 2023, the Michelin -rated eatery is shutting its doors.
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Sheeps and Leeks on Stryd Y Porth Mawr/Eastgate Street in Caernarfon is shutting shop.
The acclaimed restaurant was opened by chef Paul Hearn back in 2019 and made the Michelin Guide.
The ground floor kitchen and basement restaurant - which boasted just six tables - has announced plans to close next month.
In a heartfelt statement, Head chef Paul, who appeared on Chris Cooks Cymru on BBC iPlayer, announced on Instagram: "It's with heavy hearts that we share the news that Sheeps And Leeks will be closing its doors at 12 Eastgate Street after our final service on Thursday 31st July.
"This has been an incredibly difficult decision, driven by ever-rising costs that are set to continue.
"But please know — this is not necessarily the end of Sheeps And Leeks.
"The brand will live on, with plans for pop-ups, a food range, and the possibility of finding a new home at another site in the future.
"We're so proud of everything we've achieved at this site over the last six years — from multiple awards to the wonderful memories created with all of you, our amazing guests, supporters, and friends.
"A huge thank you to all of our staff, past and present — you've been part of this epic journey and helped shape Sheeps And Leeks into what it became."
The emotional post concluded: "I'm deeply grateful to my friends and family who gave up their time and energy to help get the restaurant off the ground — I couldn't have done it without you.
Michelin-starred chef is ELECTROCUTED & has arm amputated
"We encourage our fellow foodies to use any outstanding gift cards between now and our final service."
He confirmed: "Any gift cards that are still valid as of today's date will be fully reimbursed if not redeemed."
Foodie fans commented on the post: "Oh I'm absolutely gutted for you all. Even though I've only had the pleasure of dining with you a couple of times, it's definitely one of the best places to eat in North Wales. No doubt you'll smash the pop-ups. Best of luck to the team!"
A second fan wrote: "Oh that is such sad news. We have had some of our best dining experiences in north Wales with you and loved meeting others doing the same."
A third penned: "Absolutely devastated for you guys. What an amazing experience you all had created. But talent never goes away, I look forward to what you come up with next."
"So sad to read this - we had the pleasure of dining with you last month and were just blown away by not only the fabulous food but also your staff and the whole concept of what you have created at Sheep's & Leeks," agreed another.
"That is the saddest thing. We've been a few times and it has been an extraordinary experience every visit," commended a fifth fan.
The news comes after another Michelin-starred chef has closed his beloved restaurant dubbed one of the best in Britain after just four years.
Adam Handling has also revealed that his restaurant Ugly Butterfly at Carbis Bay Hotel in Cornwall will close later this month.
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Why celeb restaurants go bust
By Paul Lochhead, Managing Director of Drinkstuff
THE recent wave of celebrity chef restaurant closures can indeed be attributed to several factors, with the pandemic being a significant one.
The hospitality industry, particularly high-end restaurants, faced unprecedented challenges during the pandemic. Restrictions on dining, a shift to takeaways, and the need for social distancing significantly reduced footfall and revenue for these establishments.
However, the impact goes beyond the pandemic. High-end restaurants operate on a model that requires substantial overheads—premium locations, top-quality ingredients, and skilled staff.
With the economic uncertainty and a change in consumer behaviour post-pandemic, there's been a shift in dining preferences. Many diners are now seeking more casual, value-driven experiences, which puts pressure on the viability of luxury dining.
Moreover, for celebrity chefs, these ventures are often passion projects rather than primary revenue sources.
If a restaurant isn't performing well, it may not be worth the continued investment, especially when compared to the other income streams they have, such as media appearances, books, and endorsements.
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