A Nottinghamshire town centre restaurant that 'wasn't getting enough customers' is closing. The owners of the Courtyard on Churchgate said yesterday (December 14) that it would be shutting its doors "with immediate effect".
The Courtyard opened in March with the owners promising the "most perfect bar and restaurant" for the town. However, after just nine months they found that they weren't getting enough customers to make the business work, reports Lincolnshire Live.
"During our time in Retford, we tried so hard to create a beautiful place for the family to enjoy," said Sheffield-based owners John Tompkins, Julian Brown and Alex Tunney. "We spent approximately £100,000 on creating what we thought was something truly something."
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They added: "Unfortunately, although we had some great and returning customers, we simply didn't get enough people through the doors." The owners also have "other businesses to run" - including the successful Devonshire Arms in Sheffield - which made it "difficult" to dedicate their time to running the Courtyard.
They added: "Perhaps if we were closer, we would have had more of a chance of succeeding." On social media, more than 120 patrons got in touch with the restaurant to express their sadness at seeing them go and to wish them all the best for the future.
One person said: "Great venue, done out so lovely. Sad to hear. Hopefully, someone else will take over as a hospitality venue." Another diner wrote: "Really sorry for all the staff.
"Very unfortunate timing before Christmas. Wish you all the best."
A Retford resident added: "Restaurants are a tough starting point. But it's [like] the old saying: don't use it, lose it.
"Sorry to see them go." The owners have said they would welcome any potential buyers.
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