Michelin-starred Simpsons closes after 32 years amid 'challenging economic climate for restaurants'

The owner of a Michelin star restaurant in Birmingham has told how he has ‘had no choice’ but to close his famed eatery which has been going for three decades - citing tough economic times.

Announcing the news on Facebook, Andreas Antona said he was closing Simpsons restaurant in Edgbaston after 32 years in business.

“I didn’t want it to end like this but with the economy as it stands, and so much time and money invested to keep us going, it is the most sensible decision,” he said.

It’s understood that 25 employees have lost their jobs with the restaurant having closed with immediate effect.

The upmarket eatery has held a Michelin star since 1999 and the eatery and its chef patron Andreas have won a host of other top industry awards over the years.

He told how he put the restaurant on the market a year-and-a-half ago, after ongoing health issues led him to re-evaluate how to spend his time and energy and he had hoped it would find a suitable buyer to take it forward.

However, after three failed sales attempts he said he has been left with “no choice but to close the doors”.

He added: “Simpsons has been a huge part of my life for the past 32 years and I want to thank Luke, Steve and the team for maintaining the high standards that our guests expect during the toughest of economic times. I will always be grateful for your hard work and commitment.”

He said he was “proud that Simpsons helped kickstart the successful careers for so many talented local chefs and front of house personnel” and added: “If it wasn’t for the hard work of the team, digging deep into my own pockets and the loyalty and support of our guests, this moment would have arrived much sooner.

“In my 50 plus years in hospitality I have never known a more challenging economic climate for restaurants. Our many calls for reasonable government support have fallen on deaf ears.

“The joy and satisfaction of creating and running such a special restaurant for so long and meeting so many wonderful people along the way has made my time at Simpsons memorable.”

Thanking all those who have been part of the restaurant’s journey, he stressed that the sister venue to Simpsons - The Cross at Kenilworth - remains open as usual.