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Much-loved Southville restaurant announces permanent closure
One of Southville’s best loved restaurants has announced its permanent closure.
Located near the Tobacco Factory Theatres, Birch has been co-owned by twin brothers Tom and Ali Masters since 2018, when the restaurant was put on the market by original owners Sam Leach and Beccy Massey.
The brothers have put a statement on Birch’s website announcing the closure of the Raleigh Road favourite.
is needed now More than ever
“After much consideration it’s with a heavy heart we have decided to permanently close the restaurant,” they say. “We’ve been on an incredible journey over the last two years and have loved serving our customers and being part of the Bristol food scene.”
The pair highlight the recent coronavirus pandemic as one of the key reasons for Birch’s closure, saying: “Covid-19 and social distancing have changed everything for so many businesses and due to the small size of Birch and the food experience we offer our customers, we no longer think the business is viable.”
Birch has been run by twins Tom and Ali since 2018. Photo: Jess Connett
The small size of the restaurant and the restrictions placed on the number of diners at one time have led to Tom and Ali, along with head chef Lee Bloomsfield, deciding that they cannot continue running their business.
They thank the people who helped them since 2018: “We would like to say a big thank you to all our customers, suppliers and most importantly the staff who we couldn’t have done this without.”
Main photo: Jess Connett
Read more: Birch – restaurant review
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