One of Nottingham's best independent restaurants - once recommended by Michelin and the Good Food Guide - has been put up for sale.
The Larder on Goosegate closed down in June last year. It had briefly reopened the month before for the first time since the lockdown imposed in November 2020.
But days later it announced that operating at a reduced capacity to maintain social distancing had made it financially impracticable so it shut its doors - this time for good.
Based in one of Nottingham's most important buildings, in Hockley, it was the first apothecary of Boots the chemist founder Jesse Boot.
Before opening as The Larder in 2006 it was the Aquarium Restaurant.
The Grade II-listed property is located on the first floor above Oxfam and White Rose shops in Goose Gate.
The Larder was lauded for serving classic British and European dishes on a regularly changing menu, and afternoon tea with sandwiches and delicious home-made cakes.
Goose rillettes with sorrel and smoked Bramley apple, lamb shank, and super decadent dark chocolate mousse with macerated cherries and toasted hazelnuts were the kind of dishes diners could look forward to on the main menu.
Bernard Caille, who used to catch up with friends at the restaurant, said the food was always seasonal and "punched way above its weight", while service was impeccable.
He said: "It's very sad news. I loved the spacious dining area but it wasn't a terribly practical place for access so it may struggle to remain as a hospitality spot. I'm sure someone will come up with something interesting."
The Larder made its way into the recommended section of the prestigious Michelin Guide in 2014 as "a sign of a chef using quality ingredients that are well cooked; simply a good meal."
The restaurant was visited by celebrity chef Jamie Oliver in 2013 while he was filming about Nottingham's historic Colwick Cheese enjoying a revival.
It was also featured by Harden's, an authoritative guide to UK restaurants.
The restaurant has been put on the market by Nottingham property consultants FHP.
Associate director Oliver Marshall said: "It is a rare restaurant opportunity in thriving Hockley.
"The superb first-floor restaurant is coming to market in the next few days."
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