Soaring costs forces rugby star to close Cheltenham restaurant
A Gloucestershire restaurant opened by a former England Rugby star and TV celebrity has ceased trading.
Phil Vickery’s No. 3 restaurant in Cheltenham said it has been forced to close due to soaring costs.
The restaurant moved to The Merryfellow in Charlton Kings near Cheltenham last summer.
Vickery was a celebrity Masterchef contestant and has also appeared on a number TV programmes.
A spokesman for The Merryfellow announced with “deep regret” that the business had ceased trading and is in the process of applying for insolvency.
The business blamed the cost-of-living crisis, “astronomic increases” in energy bills and hit out at a lack of Government support.
Founder and co-owner Phil Vickery said: “We are very sad to have reached this point and to have had to decide to cease trading.
“Like so many other establishments operating in the hospitality sector, the effects of the cost-of-living crisis, astronomic increases in energy bills, and a lack of support from the Government for the sector have sector have had a devastating effect on trade.”
He added: “I would though like to thank our fantastic team of staff and loyal customers for all their support.”
The business was a co-venture between the owners chef Tom Rains and Phil Vickery, who wore the number three rugby shirt that gave the restaurant its name.
Vickery also launched his own clothing line called Raging Bull.
