Major pub and restaurant chain with over 200 sites suddenly closes branch in shopping centre
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LAST ORDERS Major pub and restaurant chain with over 200 sites suddenly closes branch in shopping centre
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A MAJOR pub and restaurant chain has closed one of its branches in a blow to loyal locals.
The Harvester restaurant in Bristol wrapped up business this week - with the chain claiming its closure is to 'make way for something new and exciting'.
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A popular Harvester restaurant in Bristol shut its doors on Sunday
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The restaurant was Bradley Stoke's Willow Brook Centre
Credit: Alamy
Situated in Bradley Stoke's Willow Brook Centre, the restaurant served locals for years.
The team announced in a post on Facebook last Sunday: "Today we close our doors for the last time at Harvester Willow Brook.
"It's a sad day for all the team involved.
"We would like to thank all team, guests, friends and family for their support this week and always."
One diner commented: "Thank you team Harvester for serving Bradley Stoke and surrounds over the years.
"I hope you have all found jobs to go to."
Another person wrote: "Good luck to all the team for the future. It is a sad day. Love to you all."
One user wrote: "Hopefully it's made into a Spoons instead."
The Harvester website displays a message which reads: "This restaurant is now closed.
"We have now closed our doors as a Harvester restaurant to make way for something new and exciting. You can find your nearest Harvester by using our Find a Harvester page."
It is not yet known what will replace the restaurant.
Major UK pub chain announces sweeping closures & job losses
What is happening to the hospitality industry?
By Laura McGuire, consumer reporter
MANY Food and drink chains have been struggling in 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
It comes as a beloved bar chain with more than 30 locations in the UK announced it closed one of its shopping centre venues after nine years of trading.
The Cosy Club at Ipswich's Buttermarket Shopping Centre announced it made the "very difficult decision" to close its doors on May 31.
Managing Director Lucy Knowles revealed it was no longer "financially viable" for the popular restaurant to stay open.
"We're very disappointed that, after nine years trading, we have taken the very difficult decision to close Cosy Club Ipswich," Lucy said.
She added: "This is only the second Cosy Club we've ever closed but, unfortunately, it wasn't financially viable for us to continue trading there.
"We would like to thank all of our team for their spirit, professionalism, and hard work and all our fabulous customers for their support over the years."
Despite the closure, food lovers in Ipswich can still dine at Loungers - which operates Cosy Club - after confirming that Marinero Lounger is still set to open.
The new bar and restaurant will open on July 2 at the Waterfront, in the former Burton and Sons warehouse.
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