Leader shares sadness at Gastrono-me Bury St Edmunds closure

Gastrono-me in Abbeygate Street in Bury St Edmunds, announced its closure on Monday, after 13 years in the town.

Owners of the restaurant said in a statement that they are "immensely proud" of what the business, which originally started in St John's Street, has been able to achieve. 

Following the announcement, Mark Cordell, CEO of Our Bury St Edmunds BID, said: "It is always a shame to hear of any business closing but particularly so for me when it's an independent." 

He added they have known the owners for over 12 years and "seen them achieve so much" after starting their business as a market stall.

Gastrono-me then expanding firstly as a deli in St Johns Street then into a "lovely" restaurant in Abbeygate Street "that always seemed to be buzzing" said Mr Cordell.

Mark Cordell, CEO of Our Bury St Edmunds BID (Image: Newsquest)

He continued to say that while Bury St Edmunds has the reputation as the "foodie capital" of Suffolk, the news illustrates that even the hospitality sector is "not immune" from challenges facing businesses.

"The news about Gastrono-me follows on from the closure of Mings, another well established independent restaurant in our town centre, earlier in the year," he said.

"It’s no real surprise with the Prime Minister and Chancellor keep telling us that things are going to be tough economy wise that non-essential spend is reducing and if the rumours about increasing employee NI contributions are true then that is hardly going to help this situation," he added.

Gastrono-me premises in Abbeygate Street (Image: Mark Heath)

He said since the Gastrono-me premises is large and across two floors it would be "quite a commitment" for anyone to take on, but that he is "confident" this will be the case, even if not immediately. 

"It looks like we are going into choppy waters but I am confident that the reputation the town has as a foodie hotspot, that we will come out the other side in good shape," he added.