A new restaurant in Redland has spoken out after it has been forced to raise its prices just over a month after opening. A.B.O.E on Whiteladies Road has received supportive messages from its customers as the hospitality industry battles 'multiple different crises'.
A.B.O.E opened in February fronted by Michelin-trained chef Seb Merry at the former Flipside cocktail bar, where he previously ran the concept as a successful pop-up. The new restaurant fuses classical cooking with south-east Asian influences for a playful take on traditional fine dining, with unique offerings such as cheese doughnuts and oysters with chicharron, blood orange and jalapeno.
On Wednesday (March 15), the restaurant team spoke frankly about the impact that Brexit, rising costs and the energy crisis were having on the hospitality industry. As a result, many restaurants are having to raise the prices of their dishes - including A.B.O.E.
Read more: First look at A.B.O.E the new restaurant from former Masterchef finalist
In a statement shared on Instagram, the restaurant said: "It goes without saying that we're living in expensive times, and we're all feeling the impact of the multiple different crises we're being faced with currently, be it cost of living, energy, or Brexit, and sadly, the hospitality industry is no different. Opening a restaurant is never going to be an easy task, especially in times like these, and whilst we've tried to keep costs down as much as possible we did want to address some feedback we've had regarding our costs.
"A huge part of our ethos is using independent, local suppliers, in a bid to not only support the local economy but also to reduce our carbon footprint - something we're hugely proud of - but that does mean the cost of our produce is higher, and has only increased in light of the current climate. We're also committed to paying our staff fairly, and above the minimum living wage.
"A career in hospitality is hugely rewarding but it can also be hard work, and we feel our team should be paid in line with the amazing work they do. Since opening we've had a very small amount of feedback regarding our portion sizes.
"Rather than reduce our portion sizes in line with rising costs we've kept portions the same, but have added a slight increase to the price of our dishes - something that is being seen across the hospitality industry at the moment. We know the majority of our customers appreciate and support this, so we wanted to clear things up, as after all - honesty is always the best policy!"
A.B.O.E's transparency over its price increases was met with warmth from its customers and other people on Instagram. "Worth every penny and those that appreciate great food and service wouldn’t question it!" @candypiefinn said.
@bristolian_foodie added: "100% feel for you atm. Your quality, quantity and ethics are spot on and any price increases are completely understandable in this climate. It's worth every penny in my opinion!"
@rachel_harty_ said: "Hey Seb, had dinner at Aboe soon after opening and loved it, portion sizes were spot on and absolutely understand the need to increase prices…it’s a jungle out there atm. Will be back soon!"
A.B.O.E, 109 Whiteladies Rd, Redland, Bristol BS8 2PB. Open Wednesday and Thursday (5pm - 11.30pm), Friday and Saturday (5pm - 12am) and Sunday (12pm - 6pm). Book now here.
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