Simon Rimmer heartbroken as TV chef forced to shut restaurant after 33 years

02 January 2024 , 21:51

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Simon Rimmer's restaurant Greens has shut with immediate effect (Image: rimmersimon/Instagram)

TV chef Simon Rimmer has announced the closure of his flagship vegetarian restaurant after 33 years.

Greens in West Didsbury, Manchester was opened in 1990 by the Sunday Brunch presenter with his friend Simon Connolly in 1990.

Rimmer, 60, has declared "it's a heart-breaking day" as the restaurant is now closed with immediate effect. In a video posted to Twitter, he explained that the business had become "unviable" due to a 35% increase in rent and higher costs for raw materials, heat, light, power, and staff wages.

He said: "Well, this is a very sad day. After 33 years of running Greens in Didsbury, we've unfortunately had to close the door. Our landlords have increased our rent by, on the region of 35%. 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 heartbreaking day."

He thanked everyone who had been part of Greens' journey over the years, from staff and customers to suppliers and neighbours. Simon ended his message with a hopeful note, saying: "Thank you for the last 33 years and hopefully we'll see you in Sale." Despite the closure of the West Didsbury site, Rimmer and Connolly's second Greens restaurant in Sale, which they opened in 2022, will remain open.

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Simon announced the closure of his restaurant on social media (rimmersimon/Instagram)

The TV chef ran Greens for 33 years (Channel 4)

In a shared message on Connolly's Instagram, they said it was "impossible" for Greens, Didsbury to continue. The message read: "With great sadness we have had to close the doors on Greens, Didsbury for good after 33 fantastic years. We can no longer make it work our landlord has increased our rent by 35%, which together with increases in power, food and staff costs have made it impossible for us to continue."

They added: "Our sister restaurant in Sale is still open and we'd love to see you all in there to help the Greens story continue. If you have a reservation with us we'll be in touch." They signed off with: "Love, thanks and keep terrifying carnivores, Simon and Simon."

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Customers reacted to the news as one said: "Such sad news Greens has been one of our favourite places to go for over 10 years since living in Manchester and moving to Didsbury." Another added: "Devastating news and a major loss for the area. Will make sure to get my veggie black pudding fix in Sale." Someone else wrote: "Oh my goodness this is incredibly sad news. Sending you and the lovely staff our best wishes. We will continue to visit the Sale restaurant."

Rimmer is famed for his appearances as a TV chef on shows such as Something For The Weekend and Great British Menu. In 2017, he danced on Strictly Come Dancing with professional dancer Karen Hauer.

* An AI tool was used to add an extra layer to the editing process for this story. You can report any errors to [email protected]

Mia O'Hare