‘Total tragedy’ as Greene King pub rival loved by Gregg Wallace suddenly closes doors for good after 18 years

AFTER nearly two decades in business, one of Britain's top gastropubs has suddenly closed its doors.

Run by chef Stephen Terry, Abergavenny restaurant The Hardwick shocked customers with an online post over the weekend revealing it had shut down.

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The Welsh pub first opened in 2005 before going on to win numerous accolades.

In 2010 it was named as gastropub of the year at the national restaurant awards.

And was number 20 in last year's list of top 50 gastropubs.

Masterchef presenter Gregg Wallace was also a big fan of the pub and said: "I've eaten Stephen's food for many years and I think his dishes at The Hardwick are outstanding."

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The post on Instagram showed the chef and staff eating breakfast and read: "The final ‘Family’ last breakfast supper.

"Thank you to all our staff and customers from the last 18yrs.

"It’s been emotional. Onwards & upwards.

"Kirk out."

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Devastated customers shared their sadness on the post.

One user wrote: "This is a total tragedy - very best wishes Stephen, Jo & family."

Another said: "Sending love and light. The Hardwick has been a beacon of all that’s right in Welsh hospitality. We can only empathise with the relief/grief you must be feeling."

Rival pub chain Greene King runs more than 3,000 pubs across the UK.

The cost of living crisis has led to more households tightening their budgets and spending less money on going out to eat and drink.

High energy costs, business rates and rent are also a big pressure on small businesses like pubs.

Pub giant Wetherspoon has this year closed boozers across the UK, including in Hove, Derby and London.

And it's not just pubs. Many shops are feeling the pinch too.

Earlier this month, Next announced it was closing 11 stores.

And Boots is also closing 300 stores.

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And a garden centre known as UK’s oldest rose growers has closed after 250 years in business.  

It comes as Wilko collapsed will all shops set to close by the end of this week.