A popular kebab business that started its life as a Bristol market stall has announced it's closing for good. Hoba Kebab in the city centre said it had "the rug pulled" from under them this year, citing the cost of living crisis as the reason for its closure.
Hoba had only recently moved into its first permanent spot on St Augustine’s Parade just a few doors down from Bristol Hippodrome taking over the former Pizza Hut site in March this year. The company had excelled as a market ']pop-up since 2017, launched by couple Hope Bainbridge and Annie Faulkner.
Hoba Kebab was born out of Hope and Annie's visit to Berlin where they became awestruck at the incredible kebab houses, with their lunchtime queues stretching down the street. The couple noticed a gap in the market for German-style kebabs in the UK and decided to launch their own business in Bristol.
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Announcing the sad news on Instagram, the kebab restaurant said: "Sadly Hoba has been hit hard by the energy crisis. Despite all the advice, negotiations and battles we've fought, we cannot find a way to move past our situation and absorb these costs.
"Not only this, the coming months are looking so hard for hospitality with rising costs from suppliers and the cost of living crisis affecting public spending. All things considered, we've come to the very very sad conclusion that we have to close.
"Simply, we've had the rug pulled from under us. We have survived and thrived throughout our life, adapting and evolving, growing Hoba into something magical and greatly loved."
The announcement was met with floods of comments from fans and messages of support from other leading figures in Bristol's food scene. Burger restaurant Milk Bun said: "Guys this is heartbreaking, we really feel for you."
Owners of SandwichSandwich commented: "Absolutely gutted to read this. You created a business that was loved by so many Bristolians and should be incredibly proud. We know there’s more to come from you guys and hope dearly that you will be back serving the community amazing food again soon."
Gurt Wings added: "So sorry to hear this guys! Absolutely heartbreaking that this is allowed to happen." Many people said they hoped the restaurant would be able to come back in some form in the future.
Hoba's last day of service will be this Friday (December 23) when regulars are invited to enjoy a kebab in the restaurant for the last time. Hope and Annie thanked the public for all of their love and support over the past five years.
BristolLive rated the restaurant five stars in March after it first opened and described it as one of the best kebabs they'd had in a long time. Hoba Kebab famously used fresh, locally sourced ingredients to create a Berlin-style kebab with an extensive, inclusive menu.
Hoba Kebab's last day will be on December 23. Find it at 23-25 St Augustines Parade, Bristol, BS1 4UL
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