Michelin listed restaurant owned by renowned chef announces shock closure in weeks

A MICHELIN listed restaurant owned by a renowned chef has announced its shock closure.

Manchester's Habas, which belongs to the El Gato Negro group, will not be open for business this January.

The city centre restaurant belongs to the Mills Hill Developments group fronted by renowned chef Simon Shaw.

Habas is now set to slash its prices for a last supper on New Year's Eve. The restaurant is slashing food and drink prices by 25%.

The underground restaurant, which opened in 2021, won plaudits for its Middle Eastern inspired small plates such as chicken tagine and traditional tzatziki.

Simon has said that although the restaurant will not open in January, there are plans a foot for a new concept which is "on the way."

Simon, Chef Parton at Mills Hill Developments Limited, said: “As of January 2024, we have made the decision to close the doors of Habas Bar & Restaurant, however we are thrilled to announce that our Brown Street venue has an exciting new concept on the way.

“Throughout December, Habas, will continue serving up the city’s best middle-eastern cuisine, so make sure you pop in and see us. AND on New Year’s Eve, Habas, will be hosting an unforgettable celebration with 25% off food and drinks.

"We want to rejoice with all of our customers, with one final hurrah.

“We would like to thank all of our guests and reassure Habas fans that this is not the end of Habas Bar & Restaurant forever, simply a farewell from Brown Street for now.

“We look forward to welcoming you to our new exciting concept in Q1 of 2024."

The news comes during a tough time for the restaurant business.

The Doncaster location of Frankie and Benny's shut its doors last month.

Forty other branches of Frankie and Benny's have closed over the past year after lockdown and inflation hit the chain hard.

Byron Burger also closed its restaurant in George Street, Oxford at the end of last month according to staff.

Byron collapsed back in January and announced the immediate closure of nine sites.

The move left more than 200 employees out of a job.

The hospitality sector as a whole has been struggling to bounce back after the pandemic, only to be hit with soaring energy bills and inflation.

Some well-known retailers have shut a handful of branches, while others have disappeared from the high street for good.

Italian dining chain Prezzo revealed plans to shut 46 restaurants back in April as a result of soaring energy and food costs, putting 810 jobs at risk.

TRG, which owned Frankie & Benny's, Chiquito and Wagamama, revealed that it would shut down around 40 sites by April 2024.

Plus, a family favourite restaurant chain has delayed its plans to open new restaurants following two closures.