Iconic Nantwich venue Residence restaurant and bar has ceased trading, its owner announced today.
The Mill Street venue has closed with “immediate effect” and owner Ben Rafferty cited the impact of Coronavirus as one of the reasons.
Mr Rafferty said in a statement today: “It is with sincere and heartfelt sadness that I have made the decision to cease trading with immediate effect.
“It has been an epic journey the last 12+ years. But we are now closed so that we can seek advice as to the best course of action.
“This weekend has seen a 50% reduction year on year on bookings which has exacerbated an already very difficult financial position.
“The outlook of the coronavirus may have a significant effect on the Nantwich’s Jazz Festival and this was pivotal in terms of improving our situation.
“I am so very sorry to all the affected staff and customers and especially to the weddings and functions that we were honestly hoping we could fulfil. More details will be posted in the coming weeks on our website.”
The venue opened in 2007 in the 18th century mansion, an iconic building in the heart of the town.
It has been a popular site for weddings and other functions, and also staged events during Nantwich Jazz Festival and Nantwich Food and Drink Festival.
People expressed their shock today on social media.
Very sorry to see it go. It was the best Venue in Nantwich for a meal and a Night out. I have attended many of its Functions over the years and have always enjoyed them. I celebrated my 70th Birthday at this Venue.
Good luck to all the Staff in the future, who always gave very good service.
It will be sadly missed.
Nothing to do with the virus, when we went last year at a busy time the place was empty.
No the food was the problem, you cannot get away with meals cooked badly, presented strangely and hot food not really hot, I can get that at home!!
It will not disappear, it’s a fine building with many uses. I would love to see it as a hotel, or holiday apartments as the town is short on quality accommodation.Tourism should be kept local.
The food over the last few years had gone down in quality, so I am not surprised. You can have the best building in town, the friendliest staff, but if the cooks lack passion, then you will fail.
Sorry for Ben and his team. I have celebrated many the happy occasion there over the years. Sad to see such a prestigious venue disappear from the social scene in Nantwich.