WIRRAL chef Simon Rimmer has revealed the reason he recently chose to shut his vegetarian restaurant in Manchester after more than 30 years.

In a video posted on X, formerly Twitter, the TV chef from Wallasey announced earlier this month (January 2) that he would be closing Greens in West Didsbury for good due to an “increase in rent” in the region of 35%.

The 60-year-old added: “The cost of raw materials, the cost of heat, light and power, employing people and general food costs have meant that the business, unfortunately, has become unviable.

“So with immediate effect we’ve unfortunately shut the door.

“It’s a heart breaking day.”

Why did Simon Rimmer shut Greens in West Didsbury?

Rimmer first opened the doors to Greens with friend Simon Connolly in 1990.

But speaking on Good Morning Britain earlier today (January 10), Rimmer spoke about the “crisis” the hospitality industry faces, according to The Mirror.

Speaking to ITV presenters Susanna Reid and Richard Madeley about his decision, he said: “Post Covid, heat, lighting and power has gone up in the region of 400% on average for most businesses.

"The cost of employing people rises all the time and rightly so, people need to earn a decent wage.

“As a specific, our lease was up for Greens in West Didsbury and the landlord's increased the rent by 35%.

“I've been through two major recessions since we've opened restaurants in the last 30 years and during those, you think 'Ok, we'll come out the other side of this'."

Rimmer went on to say: “We've hit the point where many hospitality businesses go 'I actually can't afford to open the doors, no matter what I do, I can't charge enough to make a small amount of profit'."

He said the closure is "heartbreaking" because although the restaurant is "still busy, it just can't make enough money, or any money, really."

Rimmer added: "I cook on TV every single week and I have done for nearly 20 years... that brings people into the business. If we're having to close, then what are the chances for many other small independent hospitality businesses?"

The Channel 4 presenter is now calling for a VAT break, as he explained on the ITV show: "A VAT cut would really help, paying VAT on food and VAT on employee wages...it's a lot."

How many restaurants does Simon Rimmer own?

Rimmer owns 14 restaurants across the northwest of England and one in Dubai, according to the BBC.

The restaurant owners confirmed that Greens' "sister restaurant" in Sale is still open for business.

In 2019, Rimmer was forced to close West Kirby pub The Viking after just three years of trading.

The Viking had opened with the goal of "bringing a modern British pub to West Kirby." 

The site is now operated by LEAF.