‘My heart is broken’ cry diners as restaurant run by celebrity chef abruptly closes after seven years

A MASTERCHEF judge has confirmed they will be closing their London restaurant after seven years.

Mere was opened in 2017 and was the first standalone joint project for Monica Galetti and her partner David Galetti

The restaurant did not hold a Michelin star but was famous for blending classical French flavours with South Pacific Island influences. 

Mere was recommended in this year's ‘Michelin Guide Great Britain & Ireland’. 

The last day of service for the restaurant will be April 16. 

The pair said on Instagram: “It is with heavy hearts that we announce the closure of Mere restaurant- but we feel this is the right time after seven years!

“We want to take this opportunity to wholeheartedly thank Alastair Storey and everyone who has supported us and our loyal patrons and dedicated staff throughout this journey.

";Our last service will be on Tuesday, April 16, 2024."

The restaurant thanked both customers and staff for their continued support.

The Sun has reached out to Mere for comment.

Fans took to Instagram after hearing the news, many said they were left devastated. 

One user said: “Oh no I’m devastated. I love the restaurant.” 

Another said: “No no no my heart is broken.”

“What is happening to all the great restaurants around the country?” asked a third user. 

A fourth user said: “So sad. Genuinely one of my favourite restaurants….”

The news comes after Ex-Masterchef finalist Tony Rodd announced he would be closing his restaurant after his energy bills tripled. 

The chef told The Sun about a "terrifying" £80,000 energy bill had left him struggling to sleep.

Tony and his wife Becky said that the pandemic, energy bills and other surging costs had forced them to put up prices - driving away customers.

Marco Pierre White's restaurant Mr White's Steak, Pizza and Gin House, located in London's iconic West End has also closed.

What is happening in the hospitality industry?

Food and drink chains in general have been suffering in recent months 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 by next month.

Tasty, the owner of Wildwood, said it will shutter the sites as part of major restructuring plans.

The brand plans to close 20 loss-making restaurants after a “challenging” start to the year.

Caffè Nero, which launched in the UK in 1997, pulled down the shutters on half a dozen sites in 2023 in a blow for caffeine lovers.

Britain's biggest pub company, Stonegate, has raised fears about its survival as it races to plug its debts.

Stonegate owns 4,432 sites across the UK under the Slug & Lettuce, Be at One, Sports Bar & Grill brands and 350 traditional style pubs under its “Proper Pubs” banner.

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