A POPULAR Evesham restaurant is closing its doors blaming the “impossible” climate in the hospitality industry.
StirrUps’ management team announced that an “incredibly difficult and emotional” decision to cease trading by the end of the month had been taken.
The venue began when the entrepreneurs decided to renovate an attractive old horse box into a mobile cocktail bar, before expanding into burgers.
Evesham locals and best friends Darren Strickland and Stuart Bailey then set up a permanent restaurant in the town centre, creating house dishes with local ingredients.
In a message on Facebook, the team said: “It is with a heavy heart that we announce that Stirrups Restaurant will be closing its doors.
“This decision has been incredibly difficult and emotional for the three of us, and it is certainly not one we have taken lightly.
"As many of you will be aware, the hospitality industry continues to face significant challenges, and unfortunately it has become impossible for us to continue operating in the current climate.”
READ MORE: New Evesham restaurant StirrUps opens to the public tomorrow
The venue, in Market Place, has been flooded with goodwill messages since announcing the news.
One customer described the restaurant as a “true gem” and said it was “devastating” to see an independent business close.
The owners, also including Dan Walker, said: “We would like to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to everyone who has supported us throughout our journey – our customers, friends, family, suppliers, and every member of staff, past and present. We truly would never have come this far without you, and we are immensely grateful for the support, loyalty, and encouragement you have shown us over the years.
“We are incredibly proud of the business we have built together and are absolutely heartbroken to see it come to an end.”
Stirrups said it is honouring bookings “wherever possible” and would be “delighted” to accept vouchers before it closes.
The remaining opening hours are:
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday: 4pm–10pm (bar) | 4pm–9pm (kitchen)
- Thursday: 4pm–10pm (bar) | 4pm–9pm (kitchen)
- Friday: 4pm–late (bar) | 4pm–10pm (kitchen)
- Saturday: 4pm–late (bar) | 4pm–10pm (kitchen)
- Sunday: 10am–6pm (bar) | 10am–5pm (kitchen)
The management team said: “We hope to see as many of you as possible over the coming month as we celebrate everything we have created together and make some final memories.
"Our last trading day will be Saturday, August 1.
“Thank you once again for everything. Your support has meant the world to us.”
