The owners of an award-winning restaurant have announced its immediate closure following a number of sleepless nights and "soul-searching conversations."
Elephant Bank, part of the Elephant Collective, in Neston, has shut its doors after "the burden of the ever-increasing expenses". The restaurant was first opened in 2016 and was named the UK's Best Independent Pizzeria by the Pizza, Pasta and Italian Food Association UK in 2018.
The owners said they were devastated to say farewell and thanked customers who has supported them though the last seven years. Posting to social media they said: "We are absolutely devastated to be writing these words.
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"After seven years in the heart of Neston, we're bidding farewell to Elephant Bank. We still remember the day we first opened our doors to our restaurant, brimming with excitement with a burning passion for creating a space where local people could gather, share delicious food and create long lasting memories.
"The decision to close Elephant Bank was not an easy one. It was a culmination of sleepless nights, soul-searching conversations and the sad realisation that we could no longer withstand the burden of the ever-increasing expenses. It is a decision we never thought we'd have to make, but the challenges within the restaurant industry, which have been increasing every month since the pandemic, have now left us with no other choice.
"We've been reflecting on all of the brilliant memories we've created together - from witnessing those awkward first dates, families celebrating milestones and friends reuniting over plates of food. We just wanted to say thank you to all of you who have supported us since we first opened the doors to Elephant Bank.
"All of our other sites - Elephant Coffee Neston, Elephant Lounge Parkgate and Elephant Outpost Cheshire Oaks remain open as usual, and Elephant continues to be a growing company with exciting plans in the works. Elephant Bank is, unfortunately, closing its doors immediately from this evening.
"To those of you with reservations, we will be in touch in the coming days. Please just give us a little bit of time to get in touch with you all. Much love Elephant"
People rushed to the comments to say how "gutted" they were for the team, Vannessa Jones said: "I am absolutely gutted for you, Elephant Bank was a fantastic place and I'm happy to say that nearly 6.5 years ago, my partner and I were one of those awkward first dates you witnessed. We will miss anniversary drinks but wish you all the luck with the new place."
spudhead70 said: "Truly gutted for you! You've given us so much inspiration and the guts to go out and do it ourselves! The burgers were amazing and we picked up some pizza tips from Adam. Wishing you guys all the very best for the future. Steph and Martz from Chief."
And pippledipple said: "Gutted. Was our regular spot, will really miss the Korean chicken."
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