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Sunday Brunch’s Simon Rimmer forced to close restaurant due to shocking rent hikes-Josie Copson-Entertainment – Metro
‘It’s a heartbreaking day.’
![Sunday Brunch’s Simon Rimmer forced to close restaurant due to shocking rent hikes-Josie Copson-Entertainment – Metro](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/SEI_106663106-9e10.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=1024)
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Sunday Brunch host Simon Rimmer has shared the sad news he is closing down one of his restaurants.
Taking to Instagram, the 60-year-old chef, who presents the Channel 4 show with Tim Lovejoy, explained that his restaurant Greens in Manchester’s Didsbury would stop operating after 33 years as the business has become ‘unviable.’
‘It’s a very sad day. We’ve unfortunately had to close the door,’ said Simon, who once felt forced to defend his decision to have gender-neutral bathrooms at his eateries.
‘Our landlords have increased our rent in the region of 35%, and the cost of raw materials, the cost of heat, the cost of power, employing people, and general food costs has meant that the business has become unviable,’ he explained in a short video posted on Instagram.
Simon stated: ‘It’s a heartbreaking day.’
The TV star then thanked every member of staff, customer, supplier, neighbour, and friend for keeping it going for over three decades.
Simon is closing down his Disbury restaurant (Picture: Lydia Wakelam)
The restaurant has been open 33 years (Picture: Google Maps)
Simon concluded by sharing his disbelief that he had to say it was over, and shared hopes to see people in his remaining branch of the restaurant which is located in Sale.
The long-standing restaurant was started by Simon and his pal, Simon Connolly, in 1990, after they decided over a curry and a couple of pints that a nearby building would be the perfect spot for a vegetarian café.
The very next day Simon noticed a sign being put up outside that indicated it was available, and within 12 weeks they were in the kitchen.
Tim and Simon present Sunday Brunch together (Picture: Steve Meddle/REX/Shutterstock)
He was quickly comforted by many people who had previously visited the venue, as well as his celebrity pals.
‘Oh I’m sorry Simon xxx,’ wrote singer Jessie Ware.
‘Oh @rimmersimon so sorry !!!!!! GREED will be the death of this country…’ typed the Great British Menu’s Andi Oliver.
Great British Bake Off winner Candice Brown added: ‘Oh Simon I’m devastated for you! So so sorry! It’s a terrifying time.
Presenter Helen Skelton, as well as his Strictly professional partner Karen Hauer both posted the love-heart emoji.
User Candooles shared her personal experience of visiting in the past: ‘I’m gutted. I’ve always loved Greens in Didsbury, including 4 years whilst living in the apartments above when I was in there on the regular. An institution. So sorry for all of your members of staff affected by this.’
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