One of Nottingham's most acclaimed restaurants has issued a plea to customers after being hit hard by the current economic crisis. Alchemilla, which has a Michelin star and prides itself on unique, imaginative fine dining, has been forced to make some major changes to the menu after cutting staff jobs.
The award-winning restaurant, in Derby Road, previously offered a five, seven and ten course tasting menu, priced £95 to £160. But the only menu being served now is five courses due to the reduced workforce.
Chef patron Alex Bond, who opened Alchemilla in 2017, blamed a combination of rising overheads and people eating out less often. He said: "It’s a tough time for everyone. Restaurants are absorbing costs and not passing them onto the consumer as there is only so much people are willing to pay or can afford."
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Customers are being urged to book to help the highly-rated restaurant to continue in an email headed '"We need you." It said: "The past couple of years have been tough for everyone, but few businesses have been hit as hard as restaurants. These establishments are the lifeblood of our communities, providing nourishment, entertainment, and a place to gather and connect with others. We’ve always been committed to providing some of the best food Nottingham has to offer, riding out whatever storm comes our way in the process.
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"But unfortunately, the current economic crisis has taken a severe toll on our ability to stay afloat, and continue creating a unique dining experience. We’re pushing through but we need your continued support. If you have been thinking of booking then now is the time as we say this with a heavy heart - we may not be here in a few months. We need your support to continue to do what we love."
Alchemilla has unique surroundings within the red-brick vaulted arches of a Victorian carriage house and boasts a 'secret' roof-top garden. Dishes include barbecued lobster, squash and kimchi; hogget, aubergine, miso and apple and blackcurrant with shiso.
Within months of opening the restaurant received a glowing review from food critic Grace Dent and since then has gone on to feature in elite restaurant round-ups, including Hardens. It went on to receive its first Michelin star in 2020.
Last year Mr Bond opened a second, contrasting restaurant, next door to Alchemilla. Graffiti-walled Mollis specialises in upmarket fried chicken, hip hop and soft serve ice cream.
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